Staff

 

Staff List by Alphabetical Order


Ahmed, Imtiaz Graduate Research Assistant
MROI employee Imtiaz Ahmed staff photoImtiaz Ahmed started working at MROI in the summer of 2022. He is a graduate student in computer science at New Mexico Tech. Currently, he is working on the development of the UTE project to control the telescopes at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
Buscher, David Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
MROI partner David Buscher staff photo. 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
Chavez, Gina Administrative Assistant
MROI employee Gina Chavez staff photoGina Chavez has been working for New Mexico Tech for over 20 years, and joined MRO in 2020. She is responsible for purchasing, communications, and coordinating the administrative offices of MRO, as well as offering support to the MRO Interferometer scientists and staff.		 (575) 835 – 6431
Collins, Robert Interferometer Senior Software Engineer
MRO employee Robert Collins staff photoA product of the Silicon Forest in the Pacific Northwest, Robert has decades of Hardware and Software experience working for the usual suspects such as Intel, Tektronix and ESI. Robert is excited to use his background to assist the MROI to reach first fringe and beyond. A lover of the outdoors, Robert is also thrilled to leave the damp of the Pacific Northwest for sunny New Mexico skies.		 (575) 835 – 6375
Cook, Wesley Interferometer Constructed Facilities Liason
MRO employee Wesley Cook staff photoWesley Cook is an Associate Professor in the Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NMT and has been a collaborator since 2022. He is a licensed engineer and functions as a constructed facilities liaison.		 (575) 835 – 5084
Creech-Eakman, Michelle Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
MROI employee Michelle Creech-Eakman staff photoMichelle 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
Farris, Allen Interferometer Special Software Consultant
MRO employee Allen Farris staff photoPreviously lead software engineer for the MROI project, Allen is responsible for the overall design and implementation of control system software. Implemented Core software for the Interferometer Supervisory System.
Frothington, David Graduate Research Assistant
MROI employee David Frothingham staff photoDavid Frothingham is a Ph.D. student at New Mexico Tech studying evolved stars with optical/near IR interferometry. He started working for MROI in 2022. He is part of the team developing the data reduction pipeline for FOURIER, MROI’s first science beam combiner.
Gino, M. Colleen IT/Observing Support Engineer
MROI employee M. Colleen Gino staff photoColleen Gino joined MROI in 2017. She is responsible for overseeing the network and computer systems for MROI, as well as acting as operator for the fast tip tilt system and telescope observer for the MRO Interferometer.		 (575) 835 – 6782
Giron, Jesse Assistant Site Technician/Langmuir Site Manager
MRO employee Jesse Giron staff photoJesse Giron assists in maintaining the road to MRO and the facilities in general, along with various other projects for MROI and Langmuir Labs.
Haniff, Chris Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
MROI partner Chris Haniff staff photoChris 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
Haque, Ahshanul (Mishu) Interferometer Software Engineer I
MROI employee Ahshanul Haque staff photoMishu Haque started working at MROI in 2022. He graduated from New Mexico Tech in May of 2021, earning an MS degree in Computer Science. Currently, he is working on the design and development of the UTE GUI and EMSS to collect the weather data and integration with ISS to control the telescope based on the weather conditions at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.		 (575) 835 – 6964
Luis, James Graduate Research Assistant (Cambridge)
MROI partner James Luis staff photoJames Luis has been involved with the MROI since 2016 as a PhD student, and subsequently a postdoctoral researcher, at the University of Cambridge. During this time he has updated designs for the MROI’s Automated Alignment System (AAS), validated prototype alignment hardware and assisted the team with on-site commissioning activities for the first beamline of the Interferometer. Concurrently he has been working part-time as an optomechanical systems engineer for Lumi Space, a space situational awareness company based in the UK. In early 2023 he will move to NMT as a postdoctoral scholar to join the team that will observe fringes for the first time with the MROI.		 .
Norris, Ryan Assistant Professor of Physics
MRO employee Ryan Norris staff photoRyan Norris is an assistant professor in the Physics Department at NMT. He joined MROI in 2020. In addition to his assistance with MROI, he currently conducts research on novel techniques for imaging with optical interferometry as well as stellar evolution and interacting binaries.
Pino, Juan Lead Site Technician
MRO employee Juan Pino staff photoJuan Pino joined MRO in 2006. He works as the heavy equipment operator on the ridge and helps to maintain the MROI facilities.		 (575) 518 – 8077
Romero, Van Principal Investigator of MRO/Vice President of R&ED, NMT
MRO employee Van Romero staff photoVan 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
MRO employee Eileen Ryan staff photoEileen 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
MRO employee William Ryan staff photoWilliam 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
Salcido, Chris Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
MROI employee Chris Salcido staff photoChris Salcido joined MRO in 2007 as an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at New Mexico Tech, 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, Rafael Interferometer Opto-Mechanical Engineer
MROI employee Rafael Santoro staff photoRafael Santoro joined MROI in 2022 with background experience in elaboration and detailing of opto-mechanical technical drawings, as well as interaction with mechanical assemblies and interfaces between mechanical systems and subsystems. He is responsible for supporting the Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer in the delivery of the mechanical and opto-mechanical components and how they interface with the optical components at the MRO Interferometer.		 (575) 835 – 5182
Schofield, Ian Interferometer Software Engineer
MROI employee Ian Schofield staff photoIan Schofield joined MRO in 2022 as a software engineer and will be working on the control software for the MROI. In a previous life Ian worked in space physics developing geomagnetic instrumentation and managing a major ground-based magnetometer network.
Seneta, Eugene (Bodie) Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
MROI partner Bodie Seneta staff photoBodie Seneta is an instrumentation scientist at Cambridge University and has been involved with the MROI project since 2003. His current focus is development and commissioning of the MROI delay line, fast tip-tilt system and first-light beam combiners. His research interests include array detectors, computer-instrumentation interfacing and hard real time servo control systems.
Young, John Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
MROI partner John Young staff photoJohn 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
MRO employee Van Romero staff photoVan 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

 

Chavez, Gina Administrative Assistant
MROI employee Gina Chavez staff photoGina Chavez has been working for New Mexico Tech for over 20 years, and joined MRO in 2020. She is responsible for purchasing, communications, and coordinating the administrative offices of MRO, as well as offering support to the MRO Interferometer scientists and staff.		 (575) 835 – 6431
Ryan, Eileen Director, 2.4-meter Telescope
MRO employee Eileen Ryan staff photoEileen 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

Chavez, Gina Administrative Assistant
MROI employee Gina Chavez staff photoGina Chavez has been working for New Mexico Tech for over 20 years, and joined MRO in 2020. She is responsible for purchasing, communications, and coordinating the administrative offices of MRO, as well as offering support to the MRO Interferometer scientists and staff.		 (575) 835 – 6431
Cook, Wesley Interferometer Constructed Facilities Liason
MRO employee Wesley Cook staff photoWesley Cook is an Associate Professor in the Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NMT and has been a collaborator since 2022. He is a licensed engineer and functions as a constructed facilities liaison.		 (575) 835 – 5084
Collins, Robert Interferometer Senior Software Engineer
MRO employee Robert Collins staff photoA product of the Silicon Forest in the Pacific Northwest, Robert has decades of Hardware and Software experience working for the usual suspects such as Intel, Tektronix and ESI. Robert is excited to use his background to assist the MROI to reach first fringe and beyond. A lover of the outdoors, Robert is also thrilled to leave the damp of the Pacific Northwest for sunny New Mexico skies.		 (575) 835 – 6375
Creech-Eakman, Michelle Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
MROI employee Michelle Creech-Eakman staff photoMichelle 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
Farris, Allen Interferometer Special Software Consultant
MRO employee Allen Farris staff photoPreviously lead software engineer for the MROI project, Allen is responsible for the overall design and implementation of control system software. Implemented Core software for the Interferometer Supervisory System.
Gino, M. Colleen IT/Observing Support Engineer
MROI employee M. Colleen Gino staff photoColleen Gino joined MROI in 2017. She is responsible for overseeing the network and computer systems for MROI, as well as acting as operator for the fast tip tilt system and telescope observer for the MRO Interferometer.		 (575) 835 – 6782
Haque, Ahshanul Interferometer Software Engineer I
MROI employee Ahshanul Haque staff photoAhshanul (Mishu) Haque started working at MROI in 2022. He graduated from New Mexico Tech in May of 2021, earning an MS degree in Computer Science. Currently, he is working on the design and development of the UTE GUI and EMSS to collect the weather data and integration with ISS to control the telescope based on the weather conditions at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.		 (575) 835 – 6964
Norris, Ryan Assistant Professor of Physics
MRO employee Ryan Norris staff photoRyan Norris is an assistant professor in the Physics Department at NMT. He joined MROI in 2020. In addition to his assistance with MROI, he currently conducts research on novel techniques for imaging with optical interferometry as well as stellar evolution and interacting binaries.
Salcido, Chris Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
MRO employee Chris Salcido staff photoChris 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, Rafael Interferometer Opto-Mechanical Engineer
MROI employee Rafael Santoro staff photoRafael Santoro joined MROI in 2022 with background experience in elaboration and detailing of opto-mechanical technical drawings, as well as interaction with mechanical assemblies and interfaces between mechanical systems and subsystems. He is responsible for supporting the Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer in the delivery of the mechanical and opto-mechanical components and how they interface with the optical components at the MRO Interferometer.		 (575) 835 – 5182
Schofield, Ian Interferometer Software Engineer
MROI employee Ian Schofield staff photoIan Schofield joined MRO in 2022 as a software engineer and will be working on the control software for the MROI. In a previous life Ian worked in space physics developing geomagnetic instrumentation and managing a major ground-based magnetometer network.

Cambridge University

Buscher, David Interferometer System Architect (Cambridge)
MRO partner David Buscher staff photoDavid 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)
MRO partner Chris Haniff staff photoChris 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
Luis, James Graduate Research Assistant (Cambridge)
MROI partner James Luis staff photoJames Luis has been involved with the MROI since 2016 as a PhD student, and subsequently a postdoctoral researcher, at the University of Cambridge. During this time he has updated designs for the MROI’s Automated Alignment System (AAS), validated prototype alignment hardware and assisted the team with on-site commissioning activities for the first beamline of the Interferometer. Concurrently he has been working part-time as an optomechanical systems engineer for Lumi Space, a space situational awareness company based in the UK. In early 2023 he will move to NMT as a postdoctoral scholar to join the team that will observe fringes for the first time with the MROI.		 .
Seneta, Eugene (Bodie) Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
MROI partner Bodie Seneta staff photoBodie Seneta is an instrumentation scientist at Cambridge University and has been involved with the MROI project since 2003. His current focus is development and commissioning of the MROI delay line, fast tip-tilt system and first-light beam combiners. His research interests include array detectors, computer-instrumentation interfacing and hard real time servo control systems.
Young, John Senior Research Associate (Cambridge)
MRO employee John Young staff photoJohn 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
MRO employee Eileen Ryan staff photoEileen 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
MRO employee William Ryan staff photoWilliam 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

NESSI

Creech-Eakman, Michelle Interferometer Project Scientist/NESSI Principal Investigator
MRO employee Michelle Creech-EakmanMichelle 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
Salcido, Chris Interferometer Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer
MRO employee Chris Salcido staff photoChris 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

Giron, Jesse Assistant Site Technician/Langmuir Site Manager
MRO employee Jesse Giron staff photoJesse Giron assists in maintaining the road to MRO and the facilities in general, along with various other projects.
Pino, Juan Lead Site Technician
MRO employee Juan Pino staff photoJuan Pino joined MRO in 2006. He works as the heavy equipment operator on the ridge and helps to maintain the MROI facilities.		 (575) 518 – 8077

Education & Outreach

Student Employees

Ahmed, Imtiaz Graduate Research Assistant
MROI employee Imtiaz Ahmed staff photoImtiaz Ahmed started working at MROI in the summer of 2022. He is a graduate student in computer science at New Mexico Tech. Currently, he is working on the development of the UTE project to control the telescopes at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory.
Frothington, David Graduate Research Assistant
MROI employee David Frothingham staff photoDavid Frothingham is a Ph.D. student at New Mexico Tech studying evolved stars with optical/near IR interferometry. He started working for MROI in 2022. He is part of the team developing the data reduction pipeline for FOURIER, MROI’s first science beam combiner.