As a program presenter, I take a leading role in creating, updating, and showcasing scientific and technological shows in the Buhl Planetarium at the Kamin Science Center. These shows cover a broad range of topical science, and serve to engage and inspire the public. I also take part in star parties, night sky observing, and laser shows in this role, using the technology of the planetarium to entertain and educate.

While in my gap year as I apply to graduate school, I have helped to design, open, and operate a startup restaurant in the McDonald, PA area. I have used my skill set to work on a variety of projects related to the restaurant’s opening, such as wiring and designing the point-of-sales system, optimizing the efficiency of the barista bar layout, and aiding in brand advertisement. Now with the restaurant open, I fill the role of head barista, where I create, make and serve a wide range of unique beverages to patrons. I also work closely with the server staff, onboarding hires with the POS system, restaurant layout, and workflow. Coordinating with the kitchen is also a necessity to ensure quality of service at all times. Conversation with patrons is one of the most rewarding aspects of this role, as I get to learn about the town of McDonald, the history of the building we operate, and the stories of so many of its residents. I serve as a face of the restaurant, welcoming in patrons, communicating specials, and addressing any needs promptly. I have gained experience in customer service through this role, and have improved upon my ability to work seamlessly with others and optimize efficiency, both necessities in the field of research. Also, the high level of conversation in this role prepares me well for communication with external fields and presentation of work as I look towards a graduate education in the field of physics and astronomy.

Engaged in a collaborative role with the FabLab at Carnegie (now Kamin) Science Center, programming and instructing week-long summer camps designed to explore engineering and STEM topics through the use of digital design and fabrication. Utilized a range of machinery including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, laser engravers, and a range of robotic kits. Designed and built upon camps that explored circuitry, electronics, the engineering design process, animation, and more. Gained experience with Inkscape, TinkerCAD, and Blender as open source software to complement programming and digitally create.

Research through the RISE Internship program focused in materials science. Exploring potential candidates for non-epitaxial surface passivation of III-V optoelectronic devices. Involves synthesis of metal chalcogenidee, chemical bath deposition and analysis of optoelectronic performance by determining minority carrier lifetimes. Motivations for this project are finding affordable, scalable and sustainable options to passivate III-V devices and improve efficiency.

Assist with the Arne Slettebak Planetarium located at The Ohio State University, including presentation of planetarium shows and engagement with the audience.

Developed programming to import and visualize the latest data from the third data release of the GAIA satellite. Utilized my programs to create visualizations of stellar classification, galactic maps and isochrones. Explored the application of clustering algorithms to determine stellar cluster membership.