My name is Jared, I am currently in my 2nd year of my PhD at McGill! I grew up in Vancouver, Canada where I completed my Bachelor's degree in Astronomy at the University of British Columbia in 2019.
From there, I went on to complete a Master of Data Science degree also at the University of British Columbia in 2021. I have since moved to Montreal and have come back into the astronomy community.
I am passionate about sharing the wonders of astronomy with diverse audiences and making science accessible to all. Through public talks, media appearances, and volunteer work, I aim to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the universe. Whether engaging with students, collaborating with outreach groups, or leading initiatives in public science communication, I find immense fulfillment in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and the public. Below, are highlights of my outreach activities!
Outreach
Talks and Media
Public AstroNight Talk and Q&A Panel:
Public talk and panel discussion on exoplanets for McGill AstroNight, the first event since COVID-19.
Quoted in McGill Media for announcement of Canadian participation in ESA's ARIEL space telescope. My supervisor Dr. Nicolas Cowan became the Canadian PI, joining the mission for a space telescope to exclusively look at exoplanet atmospheres.
Volunteer Work
McGill Physics Outreach - McGill Space Explorers
The McGill Space Explorers program visits local primary schools bringing along a different physics activity on each hour-long visit. Students get to know a physicist, while doing inquiry-based activities and experiments. I volunteer as a visiting Physicist!
Astronomy on Tap - Montreal Volunteer
I am a regular volunteer at Astronomy on Tap - a free event providing talks and trivia in Astronomy topics at a local bar. If you attend, come say hi!
Montreal Eclipse Fair at McGill
On April 8th, 2024 Montreal was in the path of a total Solar Eclipse. McGill hosted an Eclipse Fair to view the eclipse, an event attended by thousands. I acted as a Wandering Astronomer, answering all the public's questions about the nature of eclipses and space pheonmena!
ExoClimes is an international conference series devoted to understanding the climate and climate evolution of exoplanets. It began in 2010 at the University of Exeter, UK.
VP Communication
Part of communication team on LOC to communicate news/updates of the conference to astro community. In charge of the Social Media.
Organizing Committee for 2nd edition of ExoSLAM - a summer school/workshop geared toward young career researchers taking place just before the ExoClimes conference. ExoSLAM provides a great opportunity for early career researchers to gain valuable knowledge and meet others at a similar career stage! I was part of the first ever ExoSLAM in 2023
Astronomy on Tap Organizing Committee
After being a regular volunteer I joined the organizing committee in 2024. I act mainly as a Speaker Hunter, inviting astronomers to give talks and help them pick a topic and get ready to present!
The Adams Club is a society of graduate students registered in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University. I have been a part since I joined McGill and have taken on many roles:
Graduate Representative
Representative of Graduate Students within the department, responsible for liason for admin, faculty within department.
Sustainability Committee
On committee to find ways to make department more sustainables
Grad Trip Organizer
Organized camping and canoeing trip for 19 graduate students in the department for 2 nights.
Social Representative
Organized and ran 15+ social events for graduate students in the department of Earth & Planetary Sciences
