I am currently a PhD candidate in astronomy at Cornell University. My primary research is focused on mid-infrared observations of the Galactic center using the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) telescope and the Faint Object infraRed CAmera for the Sofia Telescope (FORCAST) instrument, which was developed and built here at Cornell by my adviser, Prof. Terry Herter, and other members of the FORCAST team. In addition to studying the Galactic center, I have a variety of research interests including massive evolved stars, star formation and young stellar objects, and high-resolution imaging using techniques including optical/infrared interferometry. I was awarded the NSF Graduate Student Research Fellowship in 2015 for my work on the Galactic center. I am also a core team member of a James Webb Space Telescope Early Release Science Program which will study the massive evolved star WR 140.

In addition to research, I'm also very passionate about teaching and astronomy outreach. I'm currently a Teaching Fellow for the Cornell Center for Teaching Innovation, where I work with TAs from across the university to improve teaching practices. I am also the web manager for Cornell Astronomy's Ask an Astronomer webpage, and am actively involved in many outreach events and programs run through our department.

Email Contact: mjh397 [at] cornell [dot] edu