PDF copy available here
Education
Research Experience
- Research Assistant (2012-Present) - Working for Dr. Lutz Haberzettl at U. Louisville inverstigating morphological properties of galaxies within the GOODS-S field, more specifically, following disk growth and formation, as well as star formation in Lyman break galaxies. Work has resulted in AAS posters and will include future publications, culminating with a Ph.D. thesis.
- Independent Research (Summer 2011) - Worked for Dr. Robert Nichol at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation in Portsmouth, UK searching for observational evidence of modified gravity using SDSS data. Tested a theory that the lensing and dynamical masses of galaxies were environmentally dependent. Resulted in AAS poster and honors thesis.
- Research Assistant (2010-2011) - Worked for Dr. James Lauroesch at U. Louisville measuring spectral absorption lines of PKS 0528-250 to determine abundances of systems along the line of sight.
Posters
- Nichols, M.T., Haberzettl, L., Lenhert, M., Williger, G., Lauroesch, J., Leist, B. (2014, May). Disk Growth in GOODS-S Galaxies at Redshifts 0.5 ≤ z ≤ 3.0. Poster presented at the AAS Kentucky Area Meeting (PDF available here).
- Wojno, J.L., Nichols, M.T., Haberzettl, L., Williger, G., Leist, B. (2014, January).
Herschel-detected LBGs at z ∼ 2. Poster presented at AAS.
- Nichols, M.T., Wojno, J., Haberzettl, L., Williger, G., Lehnert, M., Nesvadba, N.
(2013, June). Dust Properties of Star Forming Galaxies at z ∼ 2. Poster presented at AAS.
- Nichols, M.T., Nichol, R., Zhao, G., Crittenden, R., Lauroesch, J.T. (2012, January). The Environmental Dependence of Dynamical and Lensing Mass Differences. Poster presented at AAS.
Scholarships and Awards
- 2013-2014, University of Louisville, John A. Dillon Jr. Fellowship
- 2008-2012, Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship
- 2008-2012, University of Louisville, Hallmark Trustee's Scholarship
- 2011, University of Louisville, Etscorn International Summer Research Award
- 2009, University of Louisville, Junior Bullitt Scholarship in Astronomy
Skills and Computer Experience
- Linux, Mac, Microsoft Windows
- IDL, C, C++, Python, HTML
- IRAF, GALFIT, SExtractor
Employment
August, 2011 to August, 2013, Teaching Assistant, University of Louisville
Prepared, proctored, graded, and recorded physics and astronomy labs each week. Proctored exams, as well as graded and recorded homeworks and exams.
July, 2013, Camp Instructor, Jewish Community Center
Created content for and taught a week-long astronomy summer camp for 5th graders as part of an experimental joint program with U. Louisville.
Personal Activities
October, 2012 to 2014, Volunteer Science Fair Mentor
I helped develop science fair projects involving astrophysics for high school students.
I guided them as they study background material and help them understand the reasoning behind what they are doing.
August, 2012 to August, 2013, GRE Preparation Seminars
I developed seminars to help undergraduate students prepare for the Physics GRE. I
gave students tips and taught them techniques for effectively taking the exam. I also proctored and graded a practice exam under
normal testing conditions.
August, 2008 to Present, Society of Physics Students
I am a member of both the local chapter and the National SPS. Locally, I've served as
multiple officers, including President for 3 semesters. We've received a number of awards from SPS National, including Outstanding
Chapter and Marsh W. White Award for outreach activities.
October, 2012, Astronomer at the "Ask an Astronomer" booth
I fielded questions at the "Ask and Astronomer" booth at the 2012 National Science Teachers
Association Meeting in Louisville, KY.
Honors and Professional Societies
- 2011-Present, Sigma Pi Sigma
- 2008-Present, American Astronomical Society, junior member
- 2008-2012, American Physical Society, junior member
- 2009-2012, University of Louisville, Honors Scholars Program