Staff

Staff List by Alphabetical Order

Blevins, Sterling	Student Assistant Sterling Blevins studies Computer Science as an undergraduate at New Mexico Tech. He is currently a student assistant for MRO staff.	N/A
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
Collins, Robert	Senior Software Engineer Robert Collins joined the MRO in 2019 as the project’s Senior Software Engineer. He leads the software and control staff and aids MRO staff by implementing world-class facility-grade software applications for complex control systems and data acquisitions.	(575) 835 – 6375
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 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
Dooley, Jonathan	Research Assistant Jonathan Dooley joined MRO in 2017 while working on his graduate degree in Applied Physics/Instrumentation at New Mexico Tech. He aids in research on beam path stabilization and control system development for the Beam Relay System.	N/A
Etscorn, Dylan	Information Technology Manager Dylan Etscorn joined MROI in 2016 as the Information Technology (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. 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
Etscorn, Shelbi	Outreach Assistant Shelbi Etscorn joined the MRO in 2019 as the Outreach Assistant. She is responsible for writing and editing content for the MRO website, social media, promotional materials, and various MRO publications. She supports the Assistant Director of Outreach and Communications with activities related to public and private tours, exhibitions and conferences, educational outreach, and promotion.	N/A
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
Garcia, Erica	Student Assistant	N/A
Gino, M. Colleen	Assistant Director of Outreach and Communications Colleen Gino joined MRO in 2017. She is responsible for the organization, management, and execution of outreach activities for the whole of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory with activities related to marketing and promotion, website and social media, education, visitors, tours, Friends of MRO, Board of Visitors, and the MRO Visitor Center and Gift Shop.	(575) 835 – 6782
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
Hosseini, Omid	Software Engineer Omid Hosseini joined the MROI team in 2019 as a software engineer. His role as a member of the software team focuses on developing and debugging different software used to operate the Unit Telescope.	(575)835 – 6404
Jojola, Stephen	Maintenance Tech As maintenance tech, Stephen Jojola aids in array preparation, installation, and maintenance for the telescope enclosure. He also performs minor electrical work, welds plates and pipes, and does concrete drilling.	(575) 835 – 5156
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
Maes, Jennie	Software Engineer	575) 835 – 5223
Matthews, Tyler	Student Assistant	N/A
Mortimer, Daniel J	Graduate Research Assistant (Cambridge) Daniel Mortimer is a graduate research assistant at the University of Cambridge. He joined the MROI in 2017 and is undertakingwork for the array as part of his PhD. His primary role is to develop the first generation near-infrared science beam combiner, FOURIER, from the prototype stage to first light of the instrument. His research interests include beam combination instrumentation and interferometric observations to study star formation processes at the inner few astronomical units scale.
Norouzi, Siavash	Research Assistant
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 Van Romero is the 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	Lead Engineer of Operations Isaac Salayandia joined MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee and was hired after graduation as an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in early 2019. As the Lead Engineer of Operations he is responsible for the maintenance, supervision, and operations of the MROI Array, and associated equipment/facilities.	(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
Sanchez, Amanda	Administrative Assistant Amanda Sanchez joined the MRO in 2019. As administrative assistant, Amanda supports the office manager and MROI staff with administrative duties. She maintains the project financial accounts, monitors the budget, makes reservations and prepares accommodations for staff travel and non-employee visitors, maintains office records, and schedules and arranges meetings.
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
Wolfram, Jeanette	Student Assistant	N/A
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
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

Van Romero is the 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
Sanchez, Amanda	Administrative Assistant Amanda Sanchez joined the MRO in 2019. As administrative assistant, Amanda supports the Office Manager and MROI staff with administrative duties. She maintains the project financial accounts, monitors the budget, makes reservations and prepares accomodations for staff travel and non-employee visitors, completes travel requests and reimbursement forms, maintains office records, schedules meetings and arranges meeting set-up.
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

MROI

Collins, Robert	Senior Software Engineer Robert Collins joined the MRO in 2019 as the project’s Senior Software Engineer. He leads the software and control staff and aids MRO staff by implementing world-class facility-grade software applications for complex control systems and data acquisitions.	(575) 835 – 6375
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 the Information Technology (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. 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
Hosseini, Omid	Software Engineer Omid Hosseini joined the MROI team in 2019 as a software engineer. His role as a member of the software team focuses on developing and debugging different software used to operate the Unit Telescope.	(575)835 – 6404
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
Salayandia, Isaac	Lead Engineer of Operations Isaac Salayandia joined MRO in spring of 2018 as a student employee and was hired after graduation as an Opto-Mechanical Engineer in early 2019. As the Lead Engineer of Operations he is responsible for the maintenance, supervision, and operations of the MROI Array, and associated equipment/facilities.	(575) 626 – 5827
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

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
Mortimer, Daniel J.	Graduate Research Assistant (Cambridge) Daniel Mortimer is a graduate research assistant at the University of Cambridge. He joined the MROI in 2017 and is undertakingwork for the array as part of his PhD. His primary role is to develop the first generation near-infrared science beam combiner, FOURIER, from the prototype stage to first light of the instrument. His research interests include beam combination instrumentation and interferometric observations to study star formation processes at the inner few astronomical units scale.
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

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

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

Etscorn, Shelbi	Outreach Assistant Shelbi Etscorn joined the MRO in 2019 as the Outreach Assistant. She is responsible for writing and editing content for the MRO website, social media, promotional materials, and various MRO publications. She supports the Assistant Director of Outreach and Communications with activities related to public and private tours, exhibitions and conferences, educational outreach, and promotion.	N/A
Gino, M. Colleen	Assistant Director of Outreach and Communications Colleen Gino joined MRO in 2017. She is responsible for the organization, management, and execution of outreach activities for the whole of the Magdalena Ridge Observatory with activities related to marketing and promotion, website and social media, education, visitors, tours, Friends of MRO, Board of Visitors, and the MRO Visitor Center and Gift Shop.	(575) 835 – 6782

Student Employees

Avila, Bastian	Student Assistant Bastian Avila joined the MRO in 2019. He is currently an undergraduate student at New Mexico Tech pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. His role as student assistant includes assisting MRO staff and learning skills to prepare him in his future endeavors after graduation.	N/A
Blevins, Sterling	Student Assistant Sterling Blevins studies Computer Science as an undergraduate at New Mexico Tech. He is currently a student assistant for MRO staff.	N/A
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
Dooley, Jonathan	Research Assistant Jonathan Dooley joined MRO in 2017 while working on his graduate degree in Applied Physics/Instrumentation at New Mexico Tech. He aids in research on beam path stabilization and control system development for the Beam Relay System.	N/A
Garcia, Erica	Student Assistant	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
Matthews, Tyler	Student Assistant	N/A
Norouzi, Siavash	Student Assistant	N/A
Wolfram, Jeanette	Student Assistant	N/A