Projects

Detecting atmospheres around Earth-sized exoplanets is a critical step toward identifying potentially habitable worlds, yet such atmospheres produce extremely weak observational signals. This study investigates the detectability of an Earth-like atmosphere using ultraviolet transmission spectroscopy and examines which wavelength ranges provide the strongest atmospheric signatures during planetary transits.
An Earth-like atmospheric model was implemented using realistic altitude profiles of temperature, pressure, and molecular abundances based on terrestrial atmospheric data. Ultraviolet absorption cross sections of key atmospheric species (including oxygen, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide), derived from existing laboratory spectroscopic databases, were incorporated
into the model to compute wavelength-dependent absorption of stellar radiation. The cumulative absorption was translated into an effective atmospheric height, representing the apparent increase in planetary radius during transit, while accounting for instrumental spectral resolution and realistic stellar ultraviolet emission.
The results show that atmospheric detectability is strongly wavelength dependent. Ultraviolet wavelengths yield significantly larger transmission signals than longer wavelengths due to efficient absorption by oxygen- and ozone-related features, which dominate the atmospheric signature. Other trace gases contribute smaller effects. The predicted transit depth variations reach several parts per million for an Earth-sized planet, with detectability strongly influenced by host star brightness through its impact on signal-to-noise ratio.
This study demonstrates how Earth serves as a reference system for interpreting exoplanet observations. These findings highlight ultraviolet transmission spectroscopy as a promising approach for future space missions, including concepts such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory, aimed at detecting Earth-like atmospheres and assessing planetary habitability beyond the Solar System.

In addition, the model explicitly evaluates photon budgets and noise sources, enabling quantitative estimates of the observation time required to detect atmospheric signatures at a given signal-to-noise ratio.

 Uses multi-sensor SAR imagery to identify inundated areas and assess road accessibility during extreme precipitation events. Processes SAR backscatter data to generate flood masks, which are integrated with OpenStreetMap road networks and OSRM routing to evaluate evacuation corridors and access to shelters. The project examines how satellite data can be applied to support emergency response planning.

Recognition:
NASA Space Apps Challenge - Global Nominee

This research analyzes physical and orbital characteristics of exoplanetary systems using data from public astronomical catalogs. The study examines planetary radii, equilibrium temperatures, orbital parameters, and atmospheric indicators associated with habitability.
Methods include multivariable correlation analysis, parameter-space mapping, and hypothesis-driven classification of candidate planets. The project focuses on identifying observational patterns that can inform future spectroscopy-based studies of habitability and technosignatures.

This code implements a physics-based, end-to-end transmission spectroscopy model designed to evaluate the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres. The implementation combines explicit atmospheric structure modeling, line-by-line molecular absorption calculations, exact transit limb geometry, and an instrument-aware photon-noise model to simulate realistic transit observations. The resulting framework computes wavelength-dependent transit depths, signal-to-noise ratios, and integration time requirements, enabling quantitative feasibility limits for molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature detection relevant to Habitable Worlds Observatory mission studies.

This project assesses the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres by developing a physics-based transmission spectroscopy and noise modeling framework. The model enables quantitative evaluation of molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature signals under realistic observational conditions and defines feasibility limits directly relevant to science planning for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.

A provisional patent application filed with the USPTO. The invention describes an automated framework for flood detection and evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning–based classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes evacuation paths under disaster-response constraints.

This preprint presents a multi-sensor SAR-based framework for flood extent detection and road accessibility assessment during extreme precipitation events. The study integrates satellite imagery with geospatial modeling to examine evacuation routing under real-world disaster conditions. The results illustrate the application of combined SAR data analysis and network-based modeling for emergency response planning.

FloodRadar / DryPath Map is a lightweight web-based decision support tool that operationalizes SAR-derived flood extent maps for evacuation planning. The application integrates pre-classified SAR data with local infrastructure layers and routing services to provide address-level situational awareness during flood events.

A provisional patent application filed with the USPTO.
The invention introduces an automated framework for flood detection and safe evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes optimized evacuation paths under real-world disaster constraints.
Status: Patent Pending (US 63/922,936).

Selected Coursework

• MTH-190 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I — limits, derivatives, integrals, applications in modeling
• MTH-114 Trigonometry — trigonometric functions, identities, analytic methods
• MTH-112 College Algebra — algebraic structures, functions, quantitative reasoning
• AST-100 Astronomy — observational astronomy, stellar/planetary systems
• ENG-101 English Composition I — academic writing, analytical argumentation
• SOC-100 Principles of Sociology — social systems, research frameworks

Dual-enrollment coursework completed alongside college students. Academic work includes participation in faculty-mentored research through the CURIC program, with emphasis on analytical methods, data interpretation, and collaborative research practices.

Advanced curriculum with emphasis on mathematics, science, and independent academic work.

Standardized Assessments:

• Illinois Science Assessment (Grade 5): Exemplary (Level 4), Top 1–3% in Illinois
• MAP Growth (Math): 99th percentile
• MAP Growth (Reading): 92nd percentile

Programs:
Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Program, Summer 2022

Python - data analysis, scientific computing

Java

Calculus & Analytic Geometry

Linear Algebra & Trigonometry

Mathematical Modeling

Remote Sensing Data Analysis (SAR)

Statistical Analysis & Correlation Methods

Geospatial Data Processing

Feature Article · August 8, 2025
Author: Mike Danahey
Title: Only 13, Carpentersville girl already a seasoned student at Elgin Community College
Link: Chicago Tribune

Academic engagement in astronomy through participation in the Northwest Suburban Astronomers since May 2025. Activities include attendance at observational sessions, lectures, and community-based astronomy events, with growing involvement in astrophotography and observational astronomy.
🔗 Check out the NSA website:
https://www.nsaclub.org/

Participation in a competitive robotics team beginning in the 2025 school year. Involvement includes robot design, programming, and system integration, as well as team-based outreach activities related to sponsorship and resource coordination.
🔗 Check out our website:
https://goldenratiorobotics.com/

Long-term competitive swimmer with sustained training and participation in regional and state-level competitions. Swimming represents a consistent commitment alongside academic work and contributes to discipline, endurance, and structured training habits.
🔗 Check out my swimming on Swim Cloud:
https://www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/2812365/times/

Some of my best results:

• Illinois Open Water State Championship 2024 - 2nd Place 🥈
• Central Zone Open Water Championships 2024 - 14th Place
• Illinois Open Water State Championship 2025 - 4th Place
• Central Zone Open Water Championships 2025 - 15th Place
• Illinois Open Water State Championship 2022 - 4th Place
• Illinois Summer Regional Championships 2024 - 500 Freestyle 1st Place 🥇
• Illinois Winter Regional Championships 2025 -1000 Freestyle 2nd Place 🥈, 1650 Freestyle 2nd Place 🥈
• Illinois Winter Regional Championships 2023 -500 Freestyle 3rd Place 🥉
• Illinois Summer Regional Championships 2022 - 100 Backstroke 2nd Place 🥈, 200 Freestyle 3rd Place 🥉