When I came to the U.S. in 2012, I carried a simple dream: to study science and discover where my curiosity might lead. At first, I felt lost, unsure of how to turn that dream into reality. Everything shifted when a college consultant helped me connect my love of math with the mysteries of physics and astronomy. That spark set me on a path toward astrophysics, beginning with my associate’s degree in physics from Cerritos College in 2016, where I graduated with highest honors.

In Spring 2014, I was recognized as one of the 34 students on the Cerritos College President's List for excellence in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. This accomplishment set the stage for a journey marked by continuous academic success, as I secured a place on the Dean's List in science, engineering, and mathematics during the spring and fall of 2014 and the fall of 2015. Concurrently, I had the privilege of participating in the Scholars Honors Program (SHP), a distinct facet of my academic pursuits that added depth to my educational experience.

In 2015, I earned further distinction by being selected to join a collaborative initiative led by NASA and the California Space Grant Consortium. This ambitious project, engaging twelve California Community College partners, aimed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) preparation. The initiative not only recognized my potential, but also provided a bridge opportunity for 300 community college students, myself included, to seamlessly transition into STEM fields at the university level.

During this transformative period, I was part of a dynamic team of four that embarked on an innovative project – the construction of a sound-detecting mobile robot using low-cost microcomputers, specifically Arduinos. Our collective technical acumen and dedication culminated in an exciting opportunity to present our work at the prestigious Armstrong Flight Research Center.

For deeper insights into the details of this program and our collaborative project, please explore the information available on the CCSTEMCASGC website.

In the summer of 2016, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Gwen Rudie as my mentor at The Carnegie Astrophysics Summer Student Internship Program (CASSI). This ten-week internship and educational program, based at Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena, allowed me to engage in collaborative, original research projects.

I used the IDL programming language and presented the first measurements of the covering fraction and velocity distribution of CIV and SiIV absorption systems at distances of 35 pkpc – 3 pMpc from foreground KBSS galaxies.

Below is the abstract for the research:

Observations of the baryonic flows into and out of galaxies that modulate the exchange of metals and hydrogen gas between galaxies and the circumgalactic medium (CGM) are crucial to our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. I will present results from the Keck Baryonic Structure Survey (KBSS), a unique spectroscopic survey including high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N~100) spectra of fifteen hyper luminous quasars (2.5<z<3.0) along with dense spectroscopic redshift surveys of foreground galaxies. We search the Keck/HIRES QSO spectra for metal absorption systems in the CGM of 1978 UV-selected star-forming galaxies with redshifts z~1.5-2.8. I will present the first measurements of the covering fraction and velocity distribution of CIV and SiIV absorption systems at distances of 35 pkpc – 3 pMpc from foreground KBSS galaxies. With these measurements we provide a first glimpse into the small- and large-scale chemical environment of galaxies at redshift z~1.5-3.

My astronomical journey soared to new heights at the University of California, Berkeley, where I proudly earned my bachelor's degree in astrophysics in 2018.

While studying at UC Berkeley, I took on the role of a Classroom Management Lead for the Office of The Registrar and worked as a research assistant with Dr. Jessica Lu. This period marked significant advancements in my academic and data-driven research skills, where I delved into Python, SAO Image DS9, LaTeX Typesetting, Linux, scientific writing, Jupyter Notebook, and many other analytical tools for large and complex data science.

After graduating in 2018, I served as a STEM tutor until November 2019 while exploring the next step in my career. Subsequently, I assumed the position of a Center Director at C2 Education in 2020. Unfortunately, the challenges posed by the pandemic led to the closure of the center, providing me with a unique opportunity for reflection and redirection.

When the world slowed down during the pandemic, I finally had the space to ask myself what I truly wanted from my career. I knew I loved working with data, but I also wanted something that connected to people in a meaningful way. That’s when compensation clicked for me. It was the perfect balance of analytics and the human side of work.

In 2021, I joined Gallagher as a Senior Compensation Analyst, later moving up to Compensation Consultant. Those years were formative: I learned the ins and outs of broad-based and executive pay, job architectures, and even nonprofit executive compensation through regression analysis of Forms 990 data. I got hands-on with survey sources like AON/Radford, Mercer, WTW, ERI, and Salary.com, working with clients that ranged from small nonprofits to major Bay Area tech companies. Each project deepened my knowledge and confirmed that I had found the right path.

In 2024 I joined Alliant Human Capital as a Compensation Consultant in Specialty Compensation Consulting, diving deeper into areas like equity compensation, short- and long-term incentives, and managed services. In managed services, I had the unique chance to step in as part of clients’ internal teams, helping with everything from daily transactions to strategic program design. That experience gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how in-house compensation functions, while sharpening my skills in systems like Workday, Samanage, and JDXpert.

I’ve also leaned into my curiosity about the future of work, especially how AI can be used thoughtfully in compensation. I like pushing its limits, figuring out where it helps us work smarter and where the human element is non-negotiable. I often share what I learn so others can explore it with confidence.

Now halfway through my Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) certification, I’m proud of the breadth I’ve gained across Gallagher and Alliant, two firms with very different approaches but equally valuable lessons. Combined with my knowledge of compliance, particularly the complex wage and hour rules in California, this experience has given me a broad, adaptable perspective on compensation as both a science and a people-focused practice.

When I’m not deep in compensation data, you’ll usually find me in the backyard tending to Geoff Farms: my little urban farm (you can spot it on Instagram at @geoff.farms). What started as a hobby has grown into a passion project: a fully organic, pesticide-free garden where I raise most of the vegetables I eat. I even take horticulture classes at Diablo Valley College and put the lessons straight into practice.

Life at home is lively, too. I share it with a dog, two rescue cats, and three backyard chickens who all keep things interesting. When I need to reset, I love backpacking, camping, and getting lost in nature. Creativity also finds its way into my downtime through painting.

And because good food and wine are as essential to me as fresh veggies, I make it a mission to try every new restaurant that opens nearby. Tasting, exploring, and discovering something new, whether it’s a recipe, a trail, or a bottle of wine, keeps me inspired.