Research

My research in planetary sciences is driven by a passion for learning and contributing to the understanding of the complexities of our solar system for future manned and unmanned space missions.

Here, you can explore the groundbreaking research in planetary sciences and remote sensing, where I leverages cutting-edge geospatial technologies to unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

Click a research topic on the right to learn more about my work.

Interactive Project Buttons

Unlocking Martian Mysteries

My master’s degree capstone research at the University of Arizona employs cutting-edge geospatial technologies to analyze the Red Planet’s subsurface, revealing large, hidden geological features and advancing our understanding of Mars.

My research uses an innovative technique that harnesses advanced geospatial tools to interpret data from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument. By analyzing more than 300 billion radar signals, this effort maps large Martian subsurface structures — such as water-ice deposits, brines, ancient riverbeds, and potential habitats for life and target areas for colonization.

This work not only deepens our knowledge of Mars’s geology, it also paves the way for future exploration missions, contributing to humanity’s quest to unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

Click this sentence to download the research paper from the University of Arizona Repository.

Sub-Canopy Research

My sub-canopy research is an innovative and experimental project that leverages machine learning to uncover ancient earthworks and structures concealed under the thick canopies of rainforests. This cutting-edge approach targets previously unknown sites, aiming to reveal hidden traces of human history that have long been forgotten — obscured by dense vegetation.

How It Works

The research employs advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze data, sourced from remote sensing technologies such as:

  • Radar
  • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses laser pulses to map terrain and penetrate foliage, revealing subtle surface features.
  • Magnetic scans
  • Thermal imagery
  • Satellite optical imagery, providing high-resolution views of vast rainforest regions.

These technologies generate detailed individual datasets that are then fused together. Machine learning models process the data to detect patterns or anomalies — such as unnatural shapes, alignments, or elevations — that suggest the presence of human-made structures like earthworks, settlements, or ceremonial sites.

Why It Matters

This research bridges multiple fields, including:

  • Archaeology: To expand knowledge of ancient civilizations.
  • Remote Sensing: To map inaccessible areas.
  • Artificial Intelligence: To enhance detection capabilities beyond traditional methods.

By identifying these hidden sites, the project aims to:

  • Uncover significant archaeological discoveries.
  • Deepen our understanding of how ancient peoples lived and interacted with their environments.
  • Highlight the role of modern technology in preserving and exploring cultural heritage.
  • Demonstrate the efficacy of a novel approach to a unique problem of using machine learning to identify hidden objects of interest.

Current Status

The sub-canopy research is ongoing, reflecting an active effort to push the boundaries of discovery in some of the world’s most challenging and biodiverse regions.

Bridging the Past and the Stars

I am currently assisting in the updated development of an archaeoastronomy curriculum at the University of Arizona.

This work fosters a deeper understanding of ancient cultures through their celestial knowledge, blending archaeology, astronomy, and education to inspire future generations.

Why It Matters

My work is helping to craft an innovative archaeoastronomy curriculum that immerses undergraduate students in the astronomical practices of ancient civilizations. This program merges archaeology and astronomy to reveal how cultures such as the Maya, Egyptians, and Polynesians harnessed the stars for navigation, agriculture, and ritual.

Through immersion in Stellarium, students are able to place themselves in the footprints of the ancient cultures who built the monuments, allowing them to analyze celestial alignments — offering a unique educational experience and showcasing the scientific ingenuity of early societies while sparking curiosity in the next generation of researchers.