Samuel M. Factor


Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Astronomy, The University of Texas at Austin

I am a highly motivated and independent researcher seeking to transition into industry. I aim to leverage broad expertise in space-based observational techniques, novel image processing algorithms, statistical data analysis, physical modeling, and lab experience acquired through a Ph.D. in Astronomy. I learn quickly and can apply and communicate new knowledge efficiently and effectively.

I am currently a postdoctoral fellow in the astronomy department at The University of Texas at Austin. My research, with Professor Adam Kraus, focuses on using a novel image analysis technique called kernel-phase interferometry to directly image brown dwarfs and extrasolar planets. This technique uses self-calibrating observables to remove errors in the wavefront of light caused by interactions within the telescope. This allows me to detect companions below the classical \(\lambda/D\) diffraction limit. I apply this technique to imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope and JWST to detect companions to low mass stars at separations below the classical diffraction limit.

I recently received my Ph.D. in astronomy from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023. Previously, I received my B.A. in physics and computer science from Wesleyan University in 2014 and my M.A. in astronomy in 2015 as part of Wesleyan’s 5 year combined BA/MA program.

For more information on my research intrest and projects, see my research page. For a list of my publications, presentations and my resume/CV, see my publications page. My blog has my ramblings on random cool science tidbits or coding projects (currently just reposts of my astrobites articles). If you want to learn about the outreach I do and what I am up to other than research, checkout my about me page.