Q: What is the focus and direction of your research?

I am working on the most metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo and dwarf galaxies. These old stars are a fossil record of the early Universe and I am using them to learn about the early chemical evolution, the nature of the very first stars, the earliest SNe events that provided the metals observed in the most metal-poor stars, and early star and galaxy formation processes.

Q: How has your particular research area evolved since you have arrived at the CfA?

I have been given increased telescope time; consequently, I have been able to start several new exciting projects. As a result of not having to rely on others to get time, I have jump started some of my ideas and my research has become more independent.

Q: How much do you work with the other graduate students, postdocs, and other principle investigators?

I work on my own but I enjoy talking with other people at CfA about their science. This allows me to stay current on what is happening in the field.

Q: What is like to live and work in Cambridge?

Q: How much interaction have you had with other divisions throughout the CfA?

I enjoy chatting with the folks from the ITC since there is significant overlap in our research even though we pursue the science from different perspectives. It is also fun to show up at SSP coffee in the mornings to meet people and hear about what is going on on at CfA.

Q: What's been your impression of the various seminar series at the CfA?

There are a lot of seminars, and one has to be somewhat selective.

Q: What has been the highlight of your first year at the CfA?

The highlight has been getting Magellan time and starting a big observational campaign. Additionally, I have found lots of exciting stars!