About me

Hi there! Thanks for checking out my website. My name is Abigail, and I am an operations staff astronomer working for the European Southern Observatory (ESO). Working at their Chilean base, I split my time between supporting the operations of Paranal Observatory (top right) in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and doing my own astrophysics research at the science offices in Santiago, Chile. My duties involve taking observations with the Very Large Telescope/Interferometer (VLTI) and being involved with instrument scientist activities for the mid-infrared instrument VISIR.

My journey into astrophysics started with my masters degree (MPhys) at the University of Exeter, where for my masters project I worked with Prof. Stefan Kraus on millimetre interferometry of a massive forming star. I went on to study for my PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Leeds, where I focused on the study of the circumstellar environments of massive forming stars in the infrared. 

Following the completion of my PhD, I became a postdoctoral research associate at KU Leuven (Belgium), working as part of the ERC MULTIPLES project between January 2020-2023. My work there focused on using infrared interferometric data from the VLTI to investigate the multiplicity of massive stars throughout their evolution. During this position I co-supervised a PhD student from the group and also took on bachelors students. I also became, in tandem, a visiting research fellow at the University of Leeds between January 2021-2023. During my time at KU Leuven I observed with the HERMES spectrograph at the Mercator Telescope (bottom right) in La Palma. 

When I'm not doing research, I enjoy advocating for diversity and sustainability in astronomy. I am a member of Astronomers for Planet Earth, an organisation that seeks to mobilise the power of the astronomy community against the climate crisis. I also love engaging in outreach, in particular at schools (e.g. through 'Skype a Scientist'). I also really enjoy scientific writing. In the UK, I have written articles for Popular Astronomy Magazine,  Sky at Night magazine and served as a scientific editor and co-author of the technical article of the astrophysics issue of SEISMA magazine (a publication which brings the arts and sciences together). I have also written a blog post for POC Squared (an organisation which seeks to highlight the contributions of people of colour in science).

Improving diversity in astronomy is a priority of mine, which I pursue through highlighting the contributions of those from under-represented groups to science and discussing and addressing the issues surrounding inclusion and diversity. Together with Dr. Gabriele Betancourt-Martinez, I started the IDEEA (Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in European Astronomy) group, where we are fostering a community where anyone can come together and discuss DEI issues, share resources and help take action to improve diversity and inclusion in astronomy. 

I also dedicate my time to mentoring and am passionate about getting people interested in science and making their journeys smooth and enjoyable once they get here. I have skyped high-school students in 1-on-1 sessions when they have questions about pursuing physical sciences and astronomy as a career and have been a mentor and mentee in mentorship programs at various institutions. In tandem, I have also served on hiring committees for PhD and fellowship positions, respectively. I also have co-supervised Bachelors and PhD students, which I really enjoy.