Subaru Observation System Associate

Aloha!

I operate the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea, run by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. I'm also trained to operate - or help operate - most of the telescope's cameras and spectrographs, and I maintain some manuals related to observing and instrument operation.

Before joining Subaru, I held various part-time positions on Mauna Kea. I operated the UH 2.2-meter telescope, spotted aircraft for the Keck and Gemini adaptive optics lasers, and trained to take data for the UKIDSS survey at UKIRT. Since my earlier work experience was largely in information technology, I completed a Graduate Certificate of Science in Astronomy through Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia to improve my scientific understanding. I plan to continue classes toward a MSc, as time and funds permit.

My hobbies include swimming, cycling, running, hiking, photography, linguistics and travel. I'm also active in astronomy outreach, and volunteer at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station on Mauna Kea. I was awarded "Hōkū Volunteer" status in 2009 for volunteering over 1,000 hours since 2004.

For the curious: "Hōkū" is the Hawaiian word for star, and "A‘ohōkū" (the name of the street Subaru's office is on in Hilo) means learning about stars.