Advanced Algorithms, Statistics, and Computing for Astrophysics

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Astrophysics is in an incredibly exciting era: cutting edge observational experiments are enabling researchers to grapple with fundamental mysteries of the universe, including the nature of Dark Energy, and the origin of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). Innovative instruments are delivering huge new data sets, but we urgently need to develop advanced data analysis methods to extract the full scientific value from these observations. My research program will make essential contributions to several major national and international scientific collaborations in astrophysics by developing innovative computational approaches, playing a key role in the search for answers to fundamental mysteries in the field. The newly constructed Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, DESI, will be used to build a three-dimensional map of tens of millions of galaxies, a huge leap beyond the currently available maps. In these maps, we detect subtle variations in the way galaxies cluster together, allowing us to chart the size of the universe over cosmic time and revealing the influence of Dark Energy. As part of this major international collaboration, my research will develop crucial statistical approaches to eliminate sources of measurement bias and noise that threaten to dilute our subtle signals, in order to ensure the highest quality cosmological constraints possible. FRBs are an astrophysical mystery. First discovered in 2007, they are intense flashes of radio emission that last for only a few milliseconds; their origins are currently unknown. A new Canadian-led experiment, the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME), has already transformed the FRB research field: With hundreds of detections to date, we are able to map out the FRB distribution on the sky and begin to understand their properties. As a member of the CHIME collaboration, my research will make key contributions to this effort by developing computational tools for calibrating, characterizing, and improving the efficiency of this experiment. This research will contribute to raising Canada's profile as an international leader in astrophysics. Though tailored to the specific requirements of each scientific effort, the methods developed in my research program will be applicable not only to astrophysics, but to many other domains requiring rigorous statistical analysis of large data sets. This research program will also provide an exciting, cutting-edge training environment that will develop advanced computing, software development, and analysis skills in the scientists involved. Such skills are highly transferable, and sought after in technology, finance, and industry.