I am a fifth (and final) year Ph.D Candidate in Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), advised by Dr. Katerina Chatziioannou and studying the spins of merging binary black hole systems with gravitational-wave data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). I am broadly interested in how, when, and why we can infer properties of celestial compact objects like black holes and neutron stars, from both a statistical and astrophysical standpoint, as well as in teaching and building a more inclusive, supportive culture in physics academia that serves the public good.

Research: My Ph.D research focuses the measurability of the spins of binary black holes through their gravitational-wave emission for individual systems and their astrophysical population. You can learn more about my research interests here, and read my publications here. Code and data releases relevant to my work can be found on my github page.

Teaching and Mentoring: I am passionate about teaching and mentoring undergraduate scientists. My mentoring philosophy centers on providing consistent, individually-tailored intra- and extra-curricular guidance and creating strong, community-based support structures. My skills and outlook stem from extensive experience with one-on-one mentorship, advocacy for increased representation, and leadership in community-building projects such as Caltech’s graduate student and postdoc union. You can read more about my mentoring philosophy here and relevant experience here.

Retrospective: I graduated summa cum laude from Smith College in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Physics, minor in Mathematics, and thesis with highest honors. Before coming to Caltech in 2021, I then spent a year researching gravitational waves from rapidly rotating neutron stars in Germany at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (also known as the Albert Einstein Institute) under a Fulbright Research Scholarship.

You can access my full curriculum vitae here, and feel free to reach out via email at smiller@caltech.edu.