Research Experience
September 2022 - Present
Doctoral Research at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Probing the S8 and Hubble tensions using data from low-redshift supernova redshift probes, mid-redshift weak lensing probes, and high-redshift CMB lensing probes.
August 2020 - May 2022
Master's Research at Indiana University
Designed and implemented a simulation which will determine if Self-Interacting Dark Matter could have incubated Globular Clusters during Reionization.
January 2018 - June 2021
Undergraduate Researcher at UC Santa Cruz
Evaluated the validity of the Self-Interacting dark matter model through observations from the Dark Energy Survey and the Chandra Telescope. Wrote a bootstrap analysis code to determine the center of mass of the dark matter distributions. (Paper in preparation)
June 2017 - September 2017
Dark Energy Survey Pipeline Analysis
Analyzed Tractor, a program used to generate concrete models of the light profiles of galaxies from catalogues. Created models with this software and made notes on how to fix the code to react to real life situations. (Python)
Employment Experience
May - August 2022
Software Consultant in Quantum Computing Lab
Examined and improved the data analysis pipeline for an ion trap experiment, led by Phil Richerme at Indiana University.
August 2020 - Present
Associate Instructor at Indiana University
Facilitated labs for Introduction to Physics with Algebra, Introduction to Physics with Calculus, and Honors Physics II containing 30 students per section. Guiding students to understand the physics that they need to know to excel in their careers.
June 2020 - August 2020
Software Consultant at SETI
Overhauled the software analysis code for a laser diffraction (CheMin) instrument which is on the Curiosity Rover. The analysis was the backend code for a user interface which scientists use to analyze the chemical contents of the soil on Mars.
June - September 2019
Software Consultant at CERN
Restructured the NA62 analysis code base to be more efficient and user-friendly. Consolidated the interface so the user can run Monte Carlo simulations, access reconstructed data, and create plots in a fraction of the computing time it would have taken previously.
June 2018 - August 2018
Backend Software Engineering Intern at Automation Anywhere
Implemented a System Diagnostics page for the modules in the software package. Followed through from conception to algorithm design to completion.
Education
May 2022
Physics M.S.
Indiana University
June 2020
Physics B.S.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Concentration in Astrophysics
June 2020
Computer Science B.A.
University of California, Santa Cruz Graduated with Honors
Key Publications
H-index: 2
April 2023
Examining the Self-Interaction of Dark Matter through Central Cluster Galaxy Offsets
Cross, D. et. al
November 2023
The Dark Energy Survey Year 3 high-redshift sample: selection, characterization, and analysis of galaxy clustering
Sánchez, C. et. al. (incl Cross, D)
May 2023
Cool Cores in Clusters of Galaxies in the Dark Energy Survey
Graham, K et. al (incl. Cross, D.)
July 2021
Velocity dispersions of clusters in the Dark Energy Survey Y3 redMaPPer catalogue
Wetzell, V et. al. (incl Cross, D.)
January 25, 2025
Strong Carbon Features and a Red Early Color in the Underluminous Type Ia SN 2022xkq
Pearson, J. et. al. (incl. Cross, D.)
January 25, 2025
Dark Energy Survey Year 3 Results: Mis-centering calibration and X-ray-richness scaling relations in redMaPPer clusters
Kelly, P. et. al (incl. Cross, D.)
Schools, Conferences, and Talks
August 2023
SLAC Summer Institute: Artificial Intelligence in Fundamental Physics
Introduced methods for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and their successful applications across the fundamental physics. This SSI intends to inspire invigorated efforts for new revelations on how the rapidly developing field of Artificial Intelligence can change the ways that data is analyzed in fundamental physics.
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Gave poster presentation titled: "Inverse Galaxy-Galaxy Lensing: Magnification, intrinsic alignments and cosmology"
June 2023
Michigan Summer School in Cosmology
Covered topics across the field of cosmology ranging from theory to experiment, but the emphasis will be on computation and the interface between data and theory. An overarching goal of the school will be to provide participants with concrete practical skills for data modeling. The focus will be on the theoretical underpinnings of inflation, dark matter, and dark energy using modern measurements, principally those coming from the LSS and CMB.
January 2023
DES Collaboration Meeting in Portsmouth, UK
Meeting of the DES Science Collaboration to discuss developments of analyses for the final weak lensing dataset.
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Gave two talks:
Final Updates for BCG Offsets Paper
Inverse Galaxy-Galaxy Lensing: Magnification, intrinsic alignments and cosmology
Honors & Awards
Joan Oró Grant for Future Research Staff (FI, 2023-2026)
For the recruitment of new research personnel and the promotion of quality in research with the incorporation of this group into research groups and competitive R&D projects. The pre-doctoral aid program for the recruitment of new research staff (FI) of the AGAUR, has the financial support of the European Social Fund.
Dean's Undergraduate Thesis Award
"Dean's Awards are granted to fifty of the most excellent undergraduate research theses or projects (ten from each academic division) completed at UCSC during the academic year." Awarded for my undergraduate thesis "Examining the Self-Interaction of Dark Matter through Brightest Cluster Galaxy Offsets."
Skills
Public Speaking
Spoke about my research on observational Self-Interacting Dark Matter at the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics.
Leadership
Chaired the Mock Trial team at UC Santa Cruz.
Coding and Software
Python, C++, Java, C#, HTML, CSS, Javascript, MIPS
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NBODY6++, GIZMO, Matplotlib, YT, Scipy, Numpy
Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, algorithm analysis
Software Engineering
Best Practices: project management (scrum), coding style, algorithm analysis and improvement. Designed and Implemented a senior thesis project which required the use of all of these skills.
Outreach
Summer 2021 and 2022
Volunteer at Foundations in Science and Mathematics
Constructed a three-week course for middle- and high-school students to foster their love for science.
January 2018 - Present
Tutoring in STEM
Teaching calculus, physics classes like electromagnetism, mechanics, and modern physics, as well as computer science classes like introduction to algorithms, algorithm analysis, assembly language, and introductory coding classes. Mentored underrepresented students in STEM. Acquired skills in pedagogy and how to foster healthy learning environments for students who suffer from systemic problems in academia.
January 2019 - June 2020
Instructor of Public Speaking Tutorial
Taught a public speaking class for the last 5 quarters of my undergraduate career. Trained students to develop their ability to think on their feet and become better presenters.
May 2021
Volunteer at STEM like a girl
Volunteered at an event for middle-school aged girls which fosters an early love for science and engineering. Spoke as a panelist about the triumphs and difficulties of being a woman in physics and astronomy.