C.V.

The Biogenicity of Bleached Spheroids on Earth and Mars

UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh

September 2024 -  September 2025

Supervisor: Dr. Sean McMahon

My MSc thesis relates to the discovery of bleached spots/spheroids within rocks in the ancient fluvial environments of Jezero Crater. I aim to investigate whether the formation of bleached spheroids on Earth can be linked to the reduction of iron oxides catalysed by bacterial activity, thereby describing these spots as biogenic structures. 

The Study of the Solar Chromosphere

School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh 

September 2023 - March 2024

Supervisor: Prof. Alan Shotter

To investigate the phenomenon of spicule formation on the solar surface, I developed multiple image reduction pipelines using Python and MATLAB to track any long-term changes on the solar surface. I created a Python simulation of various spicule types, including their lifetime on the solar surface, and mimicked behaviours such as their potential dispersion or descent through the corona and photosphere.

Uncovering the First Galaxies with JWST

The Royal Observatory, University of Edinburgh 

June 2023 - September 2023

Supervisor: Dr. Derek McLeod

I focused on the analysis and reduction of raw data from three distinct surveys—JADES, NGDEEP, and DDT2750—conducted in Cycle 1 of the James Webb Space Telescope mission. Utilising Python and the Cuillin supercomputer cluster, I processed thousands of images and identified objects within them. These high-redshift objects were subjected to statistical analysis and subsequently visually assessed in multiple filter overlays by the method of “postage stamps”, resulting in my identification of several dozen high-redshift (z > 9.5) candidates for future spectroscopic follow-up.

The Age, Distance, and Mass Function of Milky Way Star Clusters

Institute for Astronomy, University of Edinburgh

September 2022 - March 2023

Supervisor: Prof. Ross McLure

As part of a collaborative project between MPhys students, I remotely operated the OpenScience Observatory PIRATE telescope across multiple shifts, collecting data, monitoring weather conditions, and guiding the telescope to specific coordinates. I collaborated with other users to optimize observation time during adverse weather and peak visibility periods. As team leader, I ensured effective communication and coordination between my team and the group supervisor by providing regular updates on our progress and taking minutes of each meeting. I took on the role of primary author and editor of the project report.

Investigating Salt Structure Formation at Different Pressures in the Context of a Martian Paleobarometer

UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh 

September 2022 - December 2022

Supervisors: Prof. Charles Cockell & Dr. Sean McMahon

Building on Curiosity's discovery of the 'Mars Flower' mineral structure, this project investigated whether salt evaporites could form specific morphologies at distinct pressures,  thereby suggesting the potential application of Martian salt structures as a paleobarometer. Using microscopy and qualitative analysis, I studied the morphological changes in various salt types within Mars regolith analogues under different pressure conditions.  I received training in the operation of the low-pressure flow-through chamber at the Mars laboratory of the UK Centre for Astrobiology.

“Up2U” - Up to University Outreach Project

CERN and Université de Genève  

July 2017 - August 2017

As part of the EU partnership scheme "Up2U," I explored the integration of Jupyter Notebooks and IPython modules in classroom settings. The project was formed to connect high school students with higher education, academia, and research; I participated in a pilot experiment to assess the feasibility of incorporating these tools into existing outreach programs and contributed to the development of "Up2Universe," a platform for sharing educational content. This involved an exploration of superconductivity with research staff at the Université de Genève and the PhysiScope, an outreach facility designed for public engagement with high school students.  

Physics Outreach Short-Course

Queen Mary University of London 

July 2017

I was selected to participate in a physics outreach short-course led by Queen Mary University of London, targeting students aspiring to apply for physics and astronomy university programs. As part of a team investigating Newtonian rings and wave interference, I was introduced to laboratory techniques such as microscopy, enhancing my teamwork, scientific method, and note-taking skills.

Assistant Administrator

Royal Astronomical Society, London

June 2017

While at the Society, I conducted science communication workshops aimed at school children on the topic of the structure of the Martian surface. I shadowed various administrators in their everyday work at the Society, including site visits to evaluate potential new telescope locations. I assisted staff with monthly public astronomy lectures, introducing guests, and answering questions from the general public.