Marina Kisley
PhD Student
Office: GS 725
Interests: Machine learning, computer vision, and astronomical applications
Biography
Marina Kisley is a Ph.D. student studying machine learning applications in astronomy at the University of Arizona, advised by Professor Kobus Barnard. Before joining Arizona, Marina worked as a software consultant for two years, designing software systems for financial and governmental clients. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 2016.
Research Interests
I am interested in machine learning applications in astronomical and planetary sciences. My current research projects involve classifying astronomical transients using host-galaxy data, and predicting the mineralogy of Mars in anticipation of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission.
What long-term project do you want to work on?
I would like to continue working on projects that address large-scale astronomical challenges, like the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) and missions to Mars.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy working with researchers from a variety of backgrounds and learning more about my own field and others.
What are your career goals?
I would like to work in a lab where I can continue working on challenging interdisciplinary problems at the intersection of astronomy and computer science.
Tell us something interesting about yourself!
I like to spend time doing something creative like cooking, painting, drawing, writing, you name it! I love taking advantage of the amazing mountains and weather of Tucson by hiking, and just getting outdoors everyday with my pet dog, Kitty.