Alison J. Klesman Astronomy Department
Rm # 317
(352) 392-2052 ext. 229
Education:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
Master of Science in Geosystems, June 2004.
Bachelor of Science in Physics, June 2003. Minor in
Planetary Science.
Graduate GPA: 4.8/5.0
Undergraduate GPA: 4.4/5.0
Relevant coursework includes: Physics I-III, Quantum Mechanics I,
Experimental Physics I, Statistical Physics I, Special Relativity and Classical
Mechanics, Geosystems I, Data & Models, The Early
Universe, Exploring Black Holes: General Relativity and Astrophysics,
Introduction to Planetary Science, Observational Techniques of Optical
Astronomy, Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, Astronomy Field Camp, Geosystems I-II.
Graduated 8th in a class of 787, June 1999
Skills:
Computer: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Mathematica, Mat Lab, Interactive Data Language (IDL)
Other: 14”, 24” reflecting telescope observation, spectrograph and Apogee CCD camera experience
Experience:
Comet-Asteroid Differentiation
Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy,
September 2003 – June 2004
Master’s Thesis, MIT Cambridge,
MA
Work with Professor Richard Binzel analyzing
visible data from Magellan Telescope. Visible colors were combined with
near-infrared spectroscopy data to examine a pool of cometary
candidates for trends and possible clues as to the correct classification of
the objects.
Direction of Spin of Koronis Family Member (1289) Kutaïssi,
November 2002 – May 2003
Undergraduate Thesis, MIT
Work with Professor Richard Binzel and Stephen
Slivan using the Wallace Astrophysical
Observatory (WAO) 24” telescope; observation and reduction of asteroid
(1289) Kutaïssi
lightcurve, rotation period, and direction of spin
using Interactive Data Language (IDL).
Pluto Observation and Data Reduction, June 2002 – August 2002
Summer UROP, MIT
Position entailed taking nightly observations of Pluto and occultation candidate stars using the Wallace Astrophysical Observatory (WAO) 24” telescope, reducing data during the day in lab using Mathematica routines.
Characterization of WallaceCam System, August 2001 – May 2002
Fall, Spring UROP, MIT
Work included characterization of Apogee AP8P CCD camera in lab, integration of camera into WallaceCam hardware, taking nighttime data using WAO 24” telescope and Apogee Camera, reducing data during the week to characterize the limitations of the system.
Astrometry Routine Codework and Wallace Maintenance, June 2001 – August 2001
Summer UROP, MIT
Work included research and formulation of an astrometry routine using Mathematica, preparation of hardware at WAO for planned WallaceCam system.
Mapping of Molecular Oxygen on Ganymede, January 2001
Astronomy Field Camp,
Work in collaboration with Dr. John Spencer analyzing Hubble Space Telescope data of Ganymede’s surface using Interactive Data Language (IDL). Mapped concentrations of molecular Oxygen on the surface of Ganymede; included a public presentation of results.
Publications:
Work regarding Pluto observations mentioned in two press releases:
“Pluto is Undergoing Global Warming, Researchers Find”
“Pluto’s Atmosphere Changing”
Results from 2001 Field Camp work used in
“Condensed Molecular Oxygen on the Icy Galilean Satellites,” with John Spencer; DPS
2001 Meeting, November 2001,
Leadership:
MIT Anime Club Treasurer (‘02-’03), MIT Varsity Crew coxswain (‘99-’03), CSHS Science Club president (‘98-’99)
Awards and
Distinctions:
Exxon Educational Foundation Graduate Fellowship
(2003-4), Goetze Prize for
Undergraduate Research (’03), Honorable
Mention MIT Writing Prize for Science Fiction
(’03), The Infinite
Writing Process 1st Annual Writing Contest Grand Prize,
Writing Prize for Science Fiction ’02, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honors Society), National
Honors Society,