Research & Publications
My research focuses on computational astronomy, astronomical instrumentation, and accessibility in astronomical education. I work at the intersection of machine learning, hardware development, and observational astronomy to develop tools and techniques that advance our understanding of the universe while making astronomy more accessible to diverse communities.
Current Research and Select Projects
Machine Learning for Planetary Nebula Detection in Infrared Surveys
Independent Research
Developing YOLO-based CNNs for automated detection of planetary nebulae in infrared surveys to identify previously unknown objects in archival data.
ROTSE-IIIc Telescope Restoration Project
Collaborative Project - South African Astronomical Observatory, University of Free State, African Astronomical Society, Development in Africa with Radio Astronomy et al
Restoration and modernization of the ROTSE-IIIc robotic telescope in Namibia, developing cost-effective automation solutions for educational and research use.
Publications
Machine Learning for Planetary Nebula Detection in Infrared Surveys
In preparation - E. Peres Afonso et al.
Development and application of YOLO-based CNNs for automated detection and classification of planetary nebulae in large-scale infrared astronomical surveys.
Poster Presentations & Talks
Reviving ROTSE-IIIc: A Cost-Effective Restoration of a Legacy Telescope in Namibia
VIII Workshop on Robotic and Autonomous Observatories (AlmerÃa, Spain) - Poster Presentation
Presented work on developing cost-effective automation solutions for educational and research telescopes. View Poster (PDF)
Interests
Computational Astronomy
Machine learning applications in astronomical data analysis, computer vision for object detection, and large-scale data processing techniques.
Astronomical Instrumentation
Development of cost-effective telescope automation systems, weather monitoring solutions, and modernization of legacy equipment.
Accessibility in Astronomy
Creating tactile and auditory tools to make astronomical data accessible to blind and visually impaired communities.
Open Source Development
Contributing to the astronomical community through open-source software, 3D models, and educational resources.