Resume

Updated: February 26, 2026

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences (Minor in Planetary Sciences), 2006–2008
University of Arizona
Dissertation: Effects of Turbulence in an Absorbing Atmosphere on the Propagation of Microwave Signals Used in Active Sounding Systems
Advisor: Prof. E. Robert Kursinski

M.Sc. in Atmospheric Sciences, 2004–2006
University of Arizona
Research: Physical modeling of the complex refractivity of liquid water up to 1.5 THz
Advisor: Prof. E. Robert Kursinski

Ingeniero Civil en Geografía (Civil Engineering in Geography), 1982–1989
Universidad de Santiago de Chile
Professional Thesis: The Global Positioning System (GPS): Early Applications and Results in Chile
Advisor: Prof. Heiner Lange

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Atmosphere Scientist (2020–Present)

European Southern Observatory (ESO), Santiago, Chile

Leads strategic efforts to characterize and forecast atmospheric conditions across ESO observatories, including the Extremely Large Telescope. The objective is to maximize scientific output through advanced atmospheric monitoring, modeling, and operational integration.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate the Astrometeorology Group within Paranal Science Operations.
  • Optimize observing efficiency at the Very Large Telescope using real-time atmospheric measurements.
  • Oversee development and integration of new Astronomical Site Monitor (ASM) infrastructure.
  • Advance atmospheric forecasting tools tailored to ELT operational requirements.
  • Chair the ASM System Operations Team, ensuring data quality, environmental characterization, and proper archival/database ingestion.

Adaptive Optics / Laser Guide Star Systems Scientist (2016–2020)

Adaptive Optics Scientist (2012–2016)

Scientist – Site Testing Team (2007–2012)

Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory (TMT)

Held progressive scientific and leadership roles supporting atmospheric monitoring, adaptive optics development, and site characterization for the Thirty Meter Telescope project.

Major Contributions:

  • Led development of site atmospheric monitoring and forecasting systems to support queue-based science scheduling.
  • Managed laser prototype development to meet Laser Guide Star (LGS) performance requirements, collaborating with the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry (Beijing).
  • Conducted physical modeling of laser–sodium interactions in the mesosphere and performed laboratory and on-sky validation campaigns.
  • Directed comparative image-quality studies at candidate sites including Maunakea (Hawaii) and the Observatorio Roque de los Muchachos (La Palma, Spain).
  • Contributed to the design and cost planning of the Site Conditions Monitoring System (SCMS).
  • Represented TMT before Chilean governmental authorities and the national astronomy community.

Research outputs were published in peer-reviewed journals in atmospheric physics, adaptive optics, and astronomical instrumentation.

Test Engineer (2001–2004)

European Southern Observatory (ESO), Tucson, AZ

Member of the ALMA Antenna Evaluation Group supporting the prototype validation phase of the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA).

Developed and executed technical verification procedures covering:

  • Reflector surface accuracy
  • Pointing and tracking under wind/thermal loads
  • Mechanical path-length stability
  • Infrared/solar radiation mitigation for safe solar observations

Site Testing Engineer (1996–2001)

European Southern Observatory, Antofagasta Region, Chile

Conducted extensive site exploration in the Atacama Desert for millimeter and submillimeter interferometry. Played a role in identifying the Chajnantor Plateau as the selected site for ALMA.

Responsibilities included:

  • Deployment and operation of atmospheric monitoring instrumentation
  • Water vapor characterization studies
  • Logistics, contracts, and infrastructure planning
  • International collaboration with institutions including Caltech, NRAO, Nobeyama Radio Observatory, Princeton University, and others

Also supported deployment of early instruments at Chajnantor, including the Cosmic Background Imager and other pathfinder telescopes.

Radio Telescope Operator (1991–1996)

European Southern Observatory, La Silla Observatory, Chile

Supported visiting astronomers operating the Swedish-ESO Submillimetre Telescope (SEST).
Developed software tools for real-time data reduction and designed an automated electronic system for antenna surface adjustment following holography measurements.

Consulting Engineer (1989–1991)

Terrasat S.A., Santiago, Chile

Conducted geodetic surveys for mining claims and developed software for coordinate transformations and geodetic data analysis.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Astronomical Society (AAS) – Division for Planetary Sciences
  • Sociedad Chilena de Astronomía (SOCHIAS)
  • American Geophysical Union (AGU)
  • American Meteorological Society (AMS)
  • Optica
  • SPIE

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & SCIENTIFIC SERVICE

Member, SOCHIAS Committee for the Preservation of the Photometric Quality of the Night Sky (since 2019).

Referee for leading journals including Astronomy & Astrophysics, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, and others.

Reviewer for Chilean national science funding programs (formerly CONICYT).

Curator of the international astronomy Site Testing Database.

Member (2011–2012) of the national commission developing Chile’s astronomy technology and innovation roadmap.

Co-editor of the Site Testing Databases conference proceedings (Valparaíso, 2010).

Co-Chair, 13th Annual Workshop on Laser Technology and Systems for Adaptive Optics (Québec City, 2019).

Member of the SOCHIAS NameExoWorlds Committee under the International Astronomical Union initiative, contributing to the public naming of exoplanet HD 164604b (“Caleuche”) and its host star (“Pincoya”).