Staff List by Alphabetical Order
|
|
|
| Buscher, David |
Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
 David Buscher helped to set up the collaboration between the University of Cambridge and New Mexico Tech to build the MROI in 2002. He is System Architect for MROI (jointly with Chris Haniff), responsible for the overall system design of the MROI and for technical oversight of the project. He is also a lecturer at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, where he teaches physics and astronomy courses, and does research in optical interferometry and adaptive optics. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 302 |
| Cheng, Kai-Li (Caleb) |
Web Development (Student)
 Kai-Li (Caleb) Cheng joined the MRO as a student worker in spring 2018. He works in the Website Development & Maintenance Team and is responsible for the MRO website performance and design. LinkedIn |
(505)289 – 6853 |
| Creech-Eakman, Michelle |
Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
 Michelle Creech-Eakman is a Professor of Physics at NMT and has been the Project Scientist for MROI since 2003. She also serves on several panels and organizing committees including those for SPIE, NASA and NSF. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6756
(575) 835 – 5809 |
| Dahl, Chuck |
Project Electrical Engineer
 Chuck Dahl rejoined MRO in 2016 as the project Electrical Engineer. He is responsible for maintaining and expanding the site electrical infrastructure and for the development of specialized electrical systems. He is also the lead for the Beam Relay System and supports instrumentation used for testing sensitive system components. |
(575) 835 – 5369 |
| Das Roy, Dipanjan |
Software Engineer (Intern)
 Dipanjan Das Roy joined MRO in summer of 2018 from New Mexico Tech as a Software Engineer Intern. Dipanjan is a part of the computer systems that control the Interferometer. LinkedIn |
N/A |
| Etscorn, Dylan |
Information Technology Manager
 Dylan Etscorn joined MROI in 2016 as IT Manager. He is responsible for maintaining the network, both on the Ridge and at the ROB building. This includes all hardware and associated software software. He also provides IT support for the staff as well as assists Dr. Klinglesmith with the monitoring and collecting of environmental data at the observatory. |
(575) 835 – 5181 |
| Farris, Allen |
Interferometer Lead Software Controls
 Allen Farris joined MRO in 2009 from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), where he worked on the control system of the VLA and the high-level architecture, control system, and scheduling systems of ALMA. As the leader of the Control and Software Systems group he is in charge of all software and computer systems that control the Interferometer. |
(575) 835 – 6645 |
| Halder, Ratna |
Software Engineer (Intern)
 Ratna Halder joined the MRO as a Software Engineer Intern in summer of 2018. Ratna is a part of the Control and Software Systems team, also pursuing her Master’s degree in Computer Science at NMT. LinkedIn. |
(575) 418 – 9683 |
| Haniff, Chris |
Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
 Chris Haniff heads the Optical Interferometry sub-group at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, UK and has worked on the MROI since 2002 when New Mexico Tech’s collaboration with the University of Cambridge to develop an ambitious optical/infrared imaging interferometer was initiated. Together with David Buscher, he is one of the two System Architects for the MROI, responsible for its overall system design and oversight of its technical delivery. He is a Professor of Physics at the Cavendish and is a fellow of Downing College, Cambridge. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 307 |
| Klinglesmith, Dan |
Interferometer Support Scientist / E&PO Coordinator
 Daniel Klinglesmith joined MRO in February 2000. He is responsible for monitoring the MRO ridge environment via remote weather stations and allsky cameras. He also monitors the conditions within the beam combining facility and works with the delay line team. He is responsible for education and outreach through lectures, classes and star parties at the Etscorn Campus Observatory. |
(575) 835 – 6802 |
| Ligon, Robert |
Instrument Scientist
 Robert Ligon joined MRO in 2017 as the Instrument Scientist. He was previously with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he worked on a variety of projects including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer and the Keck Interferometer. He is the New Mexico Tech lead for the automated alignment system, beam compressors, and the fringe tracker. His main role is to help the team achieve performance and functionality as envisioned by the system architects in whatever capacity is required. |
(575) 835 – 5076 |
| Ochoa, Danielle |
Office Manager
Danielle Ochoa joined MRO in 2016. She supports the Program Director and staff in managing the office and administration. She reviews and approves program requisitions and tracks all program expenditures. She arranges meetings, appointments, travel arrangements, and special events for MRO. She assists in the budget preparation, assists in developing new programs/services, reviews expenses against budget, and monitors monthly expenses. She prepares requisitions for purchase orders and pays invoices and is available daily to perform all duties as assigned by the MRO staff, or as needed. |
(575) 835 – 6431 |
| Olivares, Andres |
Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
 Andres Olivares joined MRO in 2007 from NOAO/CTIO of Chile. As lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer he is the sub-project lead for the Unit Telescope Mount. He is also responsible for designing and assisting of major opto-mechanical subsystem for the Interferometer; supervise external contracts and purchases related to opto-mechanical effort. He is also an opto-mechanical engineer for NESSI in collaboration with NASA/JPL. |
(575) 835 – 6758 |
| Payne, Ifan |
Program Director
 Ifan Payne joined MRO in 2003 from the University of New Mexico. As Site Project Manager he oversaw the development of the Observatory site on Magdalena Ridge until his appointment in 2009 as Readiness and Implementation Manager during which period his principal role was that of MROI Project Manager. He was appointed MRO Program Director in April, 2010. Personal website/ linkedin.  |
(575) 835 – 6808 |
| Pino, Juan |
Equipment Operator
 Juan Pino joined MRO in 2006. He works as the heavy equipment operator at the Observatory. |
(575) 518 – 8077 |
| Romero, Van |
Principal Investigator of MRO/Vice President of R&ED, NMT
 Vice President of Research and Economic Development at New Mexico Tech; Principal Investigator for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer; manages a diverse research portfolio including programs in astronomy, energy, and Homeland Security. |
(575) 835 – 5646 |
| Ryan, Eileen |
Director, 2.4-meter Telescope
 Eileen Ryan joined MRO in 2002. As Director of the 2.4-meter Telescope, Dr. Ryan manages its technical, financial, and operational activities, and leads the development of scientific and military initiatives. She is the Principal Investigator of a NASA-funded Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) program and Co-Principal Investigator (with William Ryan) of an NSF-funded program to determine spin rates of NEOs. |
(575) 835 – 6803 |
| Ryan, William |
2.4-meter Telescope Scientist
 William Ryan joined MRO in 2003. As Research Scientist for the 2.4-meter Telescope, Dr. Ryan conducts observationally-based research on objects in the Solar System (both natural and artificial), and provides scientific support for planning and development. He also tests/monitors the performance of the telescope, camera instruments, and software, and contributes to their improvement via new designs and approaches. |
(575) 835 – 6646 |
| Salayandia, Isaac |
Mechanical Engineer (Student)
 Isaac Salayandia joined MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee. Isaac is a part of the engineering team and provides his assistance on various projects pertaining to the interferometer. |
(575) 626 – 5827 |
| Salcido, Chris |
Interferometer Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
 Chris Salcido joined MRO in 2007 as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and became a full time engineer in 2008. He is the sub-project lead for the delay line system and vacuum system. He also provides support for various other systems. In addition to his engineering duties he also maintains the budget for the project and provides support for the importation of items like the Unit Telescope Enclosure and Fast Tip Tilt System. |
(575) 835 – 6947 |
| Santoro, Fernando |
Project Engineer
 Fernando Santoro joined MRO in 2015 from the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMTO) where he worked in the Adaptive Optics Group. He also worked at MROI from 2007 to 2012 as the lead opto-mechanical engineer. As the MROI Project Engineer he is responsible for systems engineering activities and to support the team throughout planning for integration and commissioning. |
(575) 835 – 5182
(575) 817 – 0117 |
| Teasdale, William |
Web Development (Student)
 William Teasdale joined the MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee. He is a part of the Website Development & Maintenance Team is responsible for the MRO website performance and design. Linkedin. |
(505) 620 – 1985 |
| Wallace-Keck, Craig |
Lead Maintenance Technician, 2.4-meter Telescope
 Craig Wallace-keck joined MRO in 2002. As the Lead Maintenance Technician for the 2.4-meter Telescope facility, Craig is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the building and support structures and provides technical support to the 2.4-m staff and research customers visiting and working at the facility. |
(575) 835 – 6887 |
| Young, John |
Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
 John Young works as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, and has collaborated on the MROI Project since 2003. Dr. Young leads the fast tip-tilt work package at Cambridge and acts as point-of-contact with MROI staff for all software matters. His research interests include distributed real-time control systems, optical synthesis imaging and the physics of evolved stars. |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 347 |
Contact Facilities, Site and Infrastructure
| 2.4 Meter Telescope Control Room |
At the Observatory site |
(575) 835 – 6771 |
| 2.4 Meter Telescope Dome |
At the Observatory site |
(575) 835 – 6787 |
| 2.4 Meter Telescope Elevator E911 |
At the Observatory site |
(575) 835 – 7972 |
| Large Conference Room |
ROB Conference Room 101 |
(575) 835 – 5042 |
| Mini-Conference Room |
ROB Conference Room 153 |
(575) 835 – 6809 |
| FAX |
|
(575) 835 – 6807 |
| Facilities, Site & Infrastructure Trailer |
At the Observatory site |
(575) 835 – 7975 |
| Interferometer Beam Combining Facility |
At the Observatory site |
(575) 835 – 7808 |
| Optics Lab |
NMT Workman Lab 195-197 |
(575) 835 – 5107 |
Staff List by Program
Principal Investigators
|
. |
|
| Romero, Van |
Principal Investigator of MRO/Vice President of R&ED, NMT
 Vice President of Research and Economic Development at New Mexico Tech; Principal Investigator for the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer; manages a diverse research portfolio including programs in astronomy, energy, and Homeland Security. |
(575) 835 – 5646 |
Administration
| Ochoa, Danielle |
Office Manager
Danielle Ochoa joined MRO in 2016. She supports the Program Director and staff in managing the office and administration. She reviews and approves program requisitions and tracks all program expenditures. She arranges meetings, appointments, travel arrangements, and special events for MRO. She assists in the budget preparation, assists in developing new programs/services, reviews expenses against budget, and monitors monthly expenses. She prepares requisitions for purchase orders and pays invoices and is available daily to perform all duties as assigned by the MRO staff, or as needed. |
(575) 835 – 6431 |
| Payne, Ifan |
Program Director
Ifan Payne joined MRO in 2003 from the University of New Mexico. As Site Project Manager he oversaw the development of the Observatory site on Magdalena Ridge until his appointment in 2009 as Readiness and Implementation Manager during which period his principal role was that of MROI Project Manager. He was appointed MRO Program Director in April, 2010. Personal website |
(575) 835 – 6808 |
| Ryan, Eileen |
Director, 2.4-meter Telescope
 Eileen Ryan joined MRO in 2002. As Director of the 2.4-meter Telescope, Dr. Ryan manages its technical, financial, and operational activities, and leads the development of scientific and military initiatives. She is the Principal Investigator of a NASA-funded Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) program and Co-Principal Investigator (with William Ryan) of an NSF-funded program to determine spin rates of NEOs. |
(575) 835 – 6803 |
2.4-meter Telescope
| Ryan, Eileen |
Director, 2.4-meter Telescope
 Eileen Ryan joined MRO in 2002. As Director of the 2.4-meter Telescope, Dr. Ryan manages its technical, financial, and operational activities, and leads the development of scientific and military initiatives. She is the Principal Investigator of a NASA-funded Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) program and Co-Principal Investigator (with William Ryan) of an NSF-funded program to determine spin rates of NEOs. |
(575) 835 – 6803 |
| Ryan, William |
2.4-meter Telescope Scientist
 William Ryan joined MRO in 2003. As Research Scientist for the 2.4-meter Telescope, Dr. Ryan conducts observationally-based research on objects in the Solar System (both natural and artificial), and provides scientific support for planning and development. He also tests/monitors the performance of the telescope, camera instruments, and software, and contributes to their improvement via new designs and approaches. |
(575) 835 – 6646 |
| Wallace-Keck, Craig |
Lead Maintenance Technician, 2.4-meter Telescope
 Craig Wallace-Keck joined MRO in 2002. As the Lead Maintenance Technician for the 2.4-meter Telescope facility, Craig is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the building and support structures and provides technical support to the 2.4-m staff and research customers visiting and working at the facility. |
(575) 835 – 6887 |
NESSI
|
|
|
| Creech-Eakman, Michelle |
Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
 Michelle Creech-eakman is a Professor of Physics at NMT and has been the Project Scientist for MROI since 2003. She also serves on several panels and organizing committees including those for SPIE, NASA and NSF. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6756
(575) 835 – 5809 |
| Olivares, Andres |
Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Andres Olivares joined MRO in 2007 from NOAO/CTIO of Chile. As lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer he is the sub-project lead for the Unit Telescope Mount. He is also responsible for designing and assisting of major opto-mechanical subsystem for the Interferometer; supervise external contracts and purchases related to opto-mechanical effort. He is also an opto-mechanical engineer for NESSI in collaboration with NASA/JPL. |
(575) 835 – 6758 |
| Salcido, Chris |
Interferometer Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Chris Salcido joined MRO in 2007 as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and became a full time Mechanical Engineer after graduating with his B.S. degree in 2008. He is currently the lead engineer for the Vacuum System. |
(575) 835 – 6947 |
MROI
| Creech-Eakman, Michelle |
Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
 Michelle Creech-eakman is a Professor of Physics at NMT and has been the Project Scientist for MROI since 2003. She also serves on several panels and organizing committees including those for SPIE, NASA and NSF. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6756
(575) 835 – 5809 |
| Dahl, Chuck |
Project Electrical Engineer
Chuck Dahl rejoined MRO in 2016 as the project Electrical Engineer. He is responsible for maintaining and expanding the site electrical infrastructure and for the development of specialized electrical systems. He is also the lead for the Beam Relay System and supports instrumentation used for testing sensitive system components. |
(575) 835 – 5369 |
| Etscorn, Dylan |
Information Technology Manager
Dylan Etscorn joined MROI in 2016 as IT Manager. He is responsible for maintaining the network, both on the Ridge and at the ROB building. This includes all hardware and associated software software. He also provides IT support for the staff as well as assists Dr. Klinglesmith with the monitoring and collecting of environmental data at the observatory. |
(575) 835 – 5181 |
| Farris, Allen |
Interferometer Lead Software Controls
 Allen Farris joined MRO in 2009 from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), where he worked on the control system of the VLA and the high-level architecture, control system, and scheduling systems of ALMA. As the leader of the Control and Software Systems group he is in charge of all software and computer systems that control the Interferometer. |
(575) 835 – 6645 |
| Klinglesmith, Dan |
Interferometer Support Scientist / E&PO Coordinator
 Daniel Klinglesmith started joined MRO in February 2000. He is responsible for monitoring the MRO ridge environment via remote weather stations and allsky cameras. He also monitors the conditions within the beam combining facility and works with the delay line team. He is responsible for education and outreach through lectures, classes and star parties at the Etscorn Campus Observatory. |
(575) 835 – 6802 |
| Ligon, Robert |
Instrument Scientist
Robert Ligon joined MRO in 2017 as the Instrument Scientist. He was previously with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he worked on a variety of projects including the Palomar Testbed Interferometer and the Keck Interferometer. He is the New Mexico Tech lead for the automated alignment system, beam compressors, and the fringe tracker. His main role is to help the team achieve performance and functionality as envisioned by the system architects in whatever capacity is required. |
(575) 835 – 5076 |
| Olivares, Andres |
Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Andres Olivares joined MRO in 2007 from NOAO/CTIO of Chile. As lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer he is the sub-project lead for the Unit Telescope Mount. He is also responsible for designing and assisting of major opto-mechanical subsystem for the Interferometer; supervise external contracts and purchases related to opto-mechanical effort. He is also an opto-mechanical engineer for NESSI in collaboration with NASA/JPL. |
(575) 835 – 6758 |
| Salcido, Chris |
Interferometer Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Chris Salcido joined MRO in 2007 as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and became a full time Mechanical Engineer after graduating with his B.S. degree in 2008. He is currently the lead engineer for the Vacuum System. |
(575) 835 – 6947 |
| Santoro, Fernando |
Project Engineer
Fernando Santoro joined MRO in 2015 from the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMTO) where he worked in the Adaptive Optics Group. He also worked at MROI from 2007 to 2012 as the lead opto-mechanical engineer. As the MROI Project Engineer he is responsible for systems engineering activities and to support the team throughout planning for integration and commissioning. |
(575) 835 – 5182
(575) 817 – 0117 |
Cambridge University
| Buscher, David |
Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
 David Buscher helped to set up the collaboration between the University of Cambridge and New Mexico Tech to build the MROI in 2002. He is System Architect for MROI (jointly with Chris Haniff), responsible for the overall system design of the MROI and for technical oversight of the project. He is also a lecturer at the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, where he teaches physics and astronomy courses, and does research in optical interferometry and adaptive optics. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 302 |
| Haniff, Chris |
Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
 Chris Haniff heads the Optical Interferometry sub-group at the Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, UK and has worked on the MROI since 2002 when New Mexico Tech’s collaboration with the University of Cambridge to develop an ambitious optical/infrared imaging interferometer was initiated. Together with David Buscher, he is one of the two System Architects for the MROI, responsible for its overall system design and oversight of its technical delivery. He is a Professor of Physics at the Cavendish and is a fellow of Downing College, Cambridge. Professional website |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 307 |
| Young, John |
Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
John Young works as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, and has collaborated on the MROI Project since 2003. Dr. Young leads the fast tip-tilt work package at Cambridge and acts as point-of-contact with MROI staff for all software matters. His research interests include distributed real-time control systems, optical synthesis imaging and the physics of evolved stars. |
(575) 835 – 6964
(+44) (0)1223 337 347 |
Facilities, Site & Infrastructure
| Pino, Juan |
Equipment Operator
 Juan Pino joined MRO in 2006. He works as the heavy equipment operator on the ridge. |
(575) 518 – 8077 |
Education & Outreach
| Klinglesmith, Dan |
Interferometer Support Scientist / E&PO Coordinator
 Daniel Klinglesmith joined MRO in February 2000. He is responsible for monitoring the MRO ridge environment via remote weather stations and allsky cameras. He also monitors the conditions within the beam combining facility and works with the delay line team. He is responsible for education and outreach through lectures, classes and star parties at the Etscorn Campus Observatory. |
(575) 835 – 6802 |
Student Employees
| Cheng, Kai-Li (Caleb) |
Web Development (Student)
Kai-Li (Caleb) Cheng joined the MRO as a student worker in spring 2018. He works in the Website Development & Maintenance Team and is responsible for the MRO website performance and design. LinkedIn |
(505) 289 – 6853 |
| Das Roy, Dipanjan |
Software Engineer (Intern)
Dipanjan Das Roy joined MRO in summer of 2018 from New Mexico Tech as a Software Engineer Intern. Dipanjan is a part of the computer systems that control the Interferometer. LinkedIn |
N/A |
| Halder, Ratna |
Software Engineer (Intern)
Ratna Halder joined the MRO as a Software Engineer Intern in summer of 2018. Ratna is a part of the Control and Software Systems team, also pursuing her Master’s degree in Computer Science at NMT. LinkedIn. |
(575) 418 – 9683 |
| Salayandia, Isaac |
Mechanical Engineer (Student)
Isaac Salayandia joined MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee. Isaac is a part of the engineering team and provides his assistance on various projects pertaining to the interferometer. |
(575) 626 – 5827 |
| Teasdale, William |
Web Development (Student)
William Teasdale joined the MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee. He is a part of the Website Development & Maintenance Team is responsible for the MRO website performance and design. Linkedin. |
(505) 620 – 1985 |
