"New Algorithms for Cosmological Data Analaysis"

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Modern astronomical data has revealed a universe full of puzzles and surprises. We have learned that most of the matter in the universe is "dark matter", a new type of matter we have not been able to produce in the laboratory. We have learned that recently in cosmic history, the universe has become dominated by "dark energy", a fluid-like component which is distinct from dark matter and ordinary  matter. Through the cosmic microwave background, we have obtained a glimpse of the quantum mechanical processes responsible for starting the universe in a big bang state. I am a cosmologist whose work combines theoretical physics, data analysis, and software engineering. Modern cosmology is a heavily computational subject, and each new generation of telescopes brings new computational and data analysis challenges. I lead a team of students and postdocs at Perimeter Institute focused on developing new algorithms, statistical methods, and software tools for upcoming experiments. This type of high-impact research is an amazing opportunity for students to help answer central unsolved problems in astrophysics, and for Canada to play a leading role on the international stage. Currently, my research team is concentrating on three main research topics. First, we are developing algorithms and software for the CHIME (Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment) telescope. CHIME is a new radio telescope in British Columbia, and the first new Canadian research telescope in several decades. Thanks in part to our work, CHIME is the world's most powerful telescope (by far!) for finding fast radio bursts, a mysterious type of violent astrophysical event whose origin is not yet understood. Second, my group is part of the Simons Observatory, an international project to build the world's largest CMB (cosmic microwave background) telescope, starting in 2021-22. This instrument will look back to the earliest moments in the universe's history in unprecedented detail. Its overarching goal is to answer some of the oldest questions in science: What is the universe made of? How did it begin? How will it end? Our research focuses on new statistics for analyzing CMB fluctuations on the very smallest scales, where new technical challenges arise. Third, I am interested in exploring applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in astrophysics. AI is an emerging technology with transformative potential in many areas of science, including astrophysics. In the last few years, progress in AI has accelerated dramatically, thanks to faster computing hardware and foundational improvements in AI algorithms. The next few years will be an exciting time to explore ideas for using AI in cosmology, astrophysics, and beyond.