Communication
Beyond research, I enjoy engaging with students, colleagues, and the broader community to share scientific knowledge and encourage interest in STEM fields. Building strong relationships with communities, collaborators, and stakeholders is an important part of my profession. Through public talks, student mentoring, outreach programs, and professional engagements, I contribute to activities that connect science, technology, and the wider community. Below are some highlights of initiatives I have supported, either as a volunteer or as part of my professional role.
IAU General Assembly 2024
The International Astronomical Union General Assembly (IAU GA) is often referred to as the "Olympics of Astronomy". Held every three years, this global conference brings together astronomers from around the world to share ground-breaking discoveries and to discuss key policies and developments within the field.
At the recent IAU GA hosted in Cape Town, South Africa (2024), I had the privilege of presenting my work and representing Australia as a delegate.
Annular Solar Eclipse — Utah & Arizona, USA (2023)
In October 2023, I traveled to the southwestern United States to observe the annular solar eclipse from Bluff, Utah. After arriving in Arizona, I teamed up with a group of amateur astronomers based in Tucson and traveled with them to the eclipse path. While the eclipse was the highlight of the trip, it also provided several opportunities to engage with local communities and visitors through astronomy outreach.
On our journey to the eclipse path, we hosted a public observing night in Tusayan, Arizona. Using our telescopes, we introduced visitors to the night sky and shared our enthusiasm for astronomy with people of all ages and backgrounds.
The evening before the eclipse, I presented a public talk for local residents and eclipse visitors in Bluff, Utah, discussing the science and engineering behind the world's largest radio telescopes and the computing innovations that make modern astronomy possible.
On eclipse day, our group set up telescopes and solar viewing equipment for public use, allowing visitors to experience the eclipse through a variety of instruments while learning more about the Sun and the mechanics of eclipses. The event also provided an excellent opportunity to capture the eclipse through astrophotography.
Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics — Malaysia
I serve as a scientific advisor, training high school students in Malaysia for the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA). I deliver lectures and oversee development of the pre-selection test questions. Through a rigorous selection process and training, students are prepared to represent Malaysia at the IOAA.
Thanks to our collaborative efforts, students have won gold and bronze medals, as well as honourable mentions. Interested in participating in the IOAA? Check out the MOAA website here.
Public Talk: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe
From the Big Bang to galaxy and star formation, how much do astronomers know? Why do we use different telescopes to do observations? Why are we building the world's largest radio telescope?
