My research interests include active galaxies and their environments.

An Optimized COS Background Correction

With Drs. Svea Hernandez and Alessandra Aloisi

Far-ultraviolet COS observations are limited by XDL detector background noise. The current COS calibration pipeline is not optimized for background subtraction and the full scientific value of many datasets is not exploited. We are working to develop a dedicated pipeline that will perform an optimal background correction based on statistical methods using the XDL dark rate characterization.
This work is currently ongoing.

SPAMM

With Dr. Gisella de Rosa

In order to accurately interpret spectral data of AGN across the observable universe, spectral decomposition needs to be performed. There is no unified approach to doing this as of yet. Our new AGN spectral modeling code, SPAMM (Spectral Properties of AGNs Modeled with MCMC), aims to serve as a general purpose tool to model a variety of extragalactic sources at a wide range of redshifts using a Bayesian approach.
See SPAMM on github

Horizontal Branch Star Atomspheres Near 20,000K

With Dr. Tom Brown

Using HST/STIS spectra, six hot subdwarfs straddling the Momany jump at ~20,000K were observed in program 14759. In addition to performing normal calibration, I also developed a custom calibration routine and developed a new CR-rejection algorithm for STIS data since the default task was insufficient.
See our ApJ paper

Searching for a Supermassive Black Hole in BCG 2261

With Dr. Marc Postman

Spectra of three "knots" embedded in the core of the brightest cluster galaxy in Abell 2261 were imaged using HST/STIS to test whether any of them represented stars bound to a displaced massive black hole (program 14046). These spectra were low S/N, so careful calibration was needed to provide the best products for analysis. CTI-, Herringbone-, and fringe-corrections were all necessary to obtain robust results.
See our ApJ paper