Dr Kristopher Cooper

Managing FOXSI science aims & activities, EUV & X-ray data analysis, and in a senior role on several analysis, software, and instrumentation projects.

• Leading analysis efforts from the FOXSI-4 sounding rocket mission
• Project Scientist for the FOXSI-5 sounding rocket
• Mentoring graduate students
• Contributing to efforts for the FIERCE MIDEX proposal
• Software development fort he scientific community
• Co-I on NASA research proposals
• Collaborated and organised co-observations with different observatories (e.g., DKIST, Solar Orbiter).
• Managed live updates and coordinated co-observations during FOXSI-5 launch windows
• In-the-field time sensitive troubleshooting during launch FOXSI-5 activities

Research involves X-ray CdTe detector calibration, EUV & X-ray data analysis, and software development in the context of imaging solar X-ray spectroscopic application.

• Guided calibration & analysis pipelines for the FOXSI-4 sounding rocket as Software Team Lead
• Developed the live GUI data display and ground station equipment for FOXSI-4
• Instrument commanding lead during the FOXSI-4 rocket flight
• Trained several new candidates into numerous core roles for the FOXSI-5 mission
• Leading advancement of FOXSI systems for the FOXSI-5 sounding rocket as Senior Software Team Lead
• Helped compose, manage, and apply science justification as FOXSI-5 project scientist
• Established and integrated creative solutions to time sensitive problems in the field enabling FOXSI’s success
• Organised and managed weekly FOXSI science and development meetings as chairperson
• Published several highly regarded papers focussed on NuSTAR X-ray spectroscopic data analysis
• Pioneered Bayesian statistical approaches unfamiliar in solar physics, greatly improving efficacy of analysis
• Created a new, Python-based solar-optimised spectral analysis software
• Leading further development with an international and multidisciplinary team for the analysis software
• Leading and chairing weekly meetings with interdisciplinary international teams for FOXSI-4 & 5 systems

• I teach undergraduate Astronomy laboratories assisting and guiding students with their work while providing an important role in their assessment throughout the academic year. Throughout the lab I must be a quick and efficient problem solver when I evaluate students’ work and code and a clear communicator when presenting and workshopping ideas with larger groups of students.

• Working in a medical centre has given me an experience of working in a highly professional environment. My work includes filing documents in the computer database, making appointments for patients and dealing with any queries they may have. This job, therefore, requires utmost confidentiality, a great deal of accuracy and professionalism as any matter that is dealt with incorrectly can lead to serious consequences.

• During my second semester of 3rd year, I personally sought experience from the secondary school I attended. During this experience, I observed classrooms and took lessons in the role of a teacher. Overseeing a class has developed many of my skills including organisation, confidence, and effectively communicating to large groups.

• I completed a research internship with the Institute of Gravitational Research (IGR). During my placement, I worked alongside experts where I took part in several projects. One of which included testing and analysing faults in parts of the international Virgo gravitational wave detector.

• I was initially employed to work in the Chilled department where I was promptly given important responsibilities, for example, overseeing the department during my twilight shifts. I also worked as a check-out assistant. As well as gaining experience in other departments I obtained recognition in the form of star points for my contribution to the standards of the frozen department. This experience has enhanced my customer service skills and has shown me how important it is to work in a team setting.

• Over the course of 6 weeks, I worked as a general shop-floor assistant. Since this store was small, I had to be competent in all areas of the supermarket and in my own decisions. Working with the Co-operative has proven that I can work well and efficiently in a high demanding job.