PhD Astronomer · Antofagasta, Chile
Exploring worlds beyond our solar system
About
I am an astronomer based in Antofagasta, Chile, and Associate Professor at the Instituto de Astronomía, Universidad Católica del Norte. I study exoplanets, low-mass stars and stellar activity, with a PhD Magna Cum Laude from the Max Planck Research School in Heidelberg.
Outside research, I am interested in science communication, technology, and game development.
Research
Detection and characterization of planets orbiting other stars, with a focus on warm giants and precision transit photometry.
Discovery and characterization of very low-mass stars and objects near the hydrogen-burning limit using photometric and spectroscopic techniques.
Study of stellar activity and its influence on the precision and reliability of exoplanet detection and characterization.
Teaching
Introduction to Astronomy (2015 — present) · Extrasolar Planets (2016 — 2023) · Astrophysics I (2018 — 2020) · Practical Astronomy, graduate (2017 — 2018) · Observational Astronomy, Diploma in Astrotourism (2026).
Advisor of 9 undergraduate theses (2017 — 2023) on exoplanets, low-mass stars and stellar activity, and examiner of 2. Currently advising two undergraduate theses.
Outreach
Creator and director of the first diploma programme in astrotourism in Chile: 92 hours, semi-presential, with a multidisciplinary faculty spanning astronomy, anthropology, communication and education.
First habilitated evaluator of the “Guía de Astroturismo” occupational profile in northern Chile.
Scientific support for Expedition to a New Earth, exploring the search for a habitable planet beyond our solar system.
Technical lead and astronomical advisor for the Starlight Certification of the Antofagasta region skies, sponsored by UNESCO.
Scientific coordinator for the children's astronomy series broadcast on national television in Chile.
Regular public talks, planetarium sessions, school visits, science fairs, newspaper articles, and TV interviews on astronomy and space science.