Data Runs, Pipeline Problems, and Disentangling Stars: An Astrophysics Adventure with the new 0.5m HCVCT

Led the configuration and commissioning of a new 0.5m telescope at Hamilton College's Peters Observatory for precision exoplanet photometry. Developed observational protocols using N.I.N.A. software for equipment control, conducted photometric data acquisition for multiple exoplanet candidates, and implemented differential photometry techniques for light curve analysis. Applied advanced data reduction methods including calibration frame processing, point spread function analysis, and systematic error correction to achieve high-precision measurements. The research contributed to collaborative work on the Kepler-90 system, resulting in a manuscript titled "Updated Masses for the Gas Giants in the Eight-Planet Kepler-90 System Via Transit-Timing Variation and Radial Velocity Observations," currently under peer review for publication.