Leadership Positions

Leadership

• Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST SA Principal Investigator (2019-)

  • The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (discussed in detail on my Research projects pages) is primarily funded by the USA with the option for international partners to make "in-kind" contributions such as developing software or offering telescope follow-up time. In return, these countries may appoint "Principal Investigators" who have the right to access the data from the telescope as soon as it is taken. After a successful application, I was awarded one of three PI positions in 2019. In addition, I was also awarded a grant to support my research as South African LSST PI (see the Grants page for more information).

• Member of the South African Rubin Committee (2021-)

  • As a PI, I was invited to join the South African LSST committee, chaired by Prof Patricia Whitelock. I assist in deciding new PIs and have played a key role in developing South Africa's in-kind programme, which allowed us to gain access to this incredible telescope in the first place. I also lead one in-kind contribution by developing software tools for the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC). 

• Co-convener of LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration Observing Strategy Working Group (2017-2021)

  • As discussed in detail in my project page about LSST research, I have played a key role in developing the observing strategy for LSST. Despite being only a few years out of my PhD, I was invited by senior members of the DESC leadership team to co-lead a new working group focusing on observing strategy. This involved leading a team of over 30 international scientists, covering a broad range of science interests, to develop a cohesive set of recommendations. Our work will have a lasting impact on all scientific output from LSST.

• Member of the LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration Council (2023-2025)

  • The LSST DESC Collaboration Council is a body which develops policies for the 1000-member collaboration. During my tenure, I contributed to changes in the publication, membership and builders policies as well as organising a plenary "town hall" event during the 2024 collaboration meeting in Zurich, Switzerland.

• Director of the Supernova Foundation, a mentorship programme for undergraduate and postgraduate women from developing countries (2017-)

  • Recognising the persistent gender inequality in physics and the barriers faced by women entering and advancing in the field, in 2017 I founded the Supernova Foundation: an international mentoring programme for women and gender minorities in physics. Since then, this initiative has grown to include over 400 members from more than 50 countries, having particular impact on students in departments without women role models. See the Supernova Foundation page for more details

• Member of the International Astronomical Union (2020-)

  • The IAU is the largest body of professional astronomers in the world. Membership not only allows professional astronomers access to working groups on a variety of topics but it also grants the right to vote on various matters at the IAU General Assemblies (such as the infamous down-grading of Pluto's status as a planet in 2006).