Giselle Hoermann
Let me tell you a little about myself
About Me
I am a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in Astronomy on a Pre-law-track, with a minor in Computer Science.
Born and raised in Germany, I started learning German, English, and French in kindergarten.
I chose to major in Astronomy before going to law school for a reason similar to most astronomers. The universe
fascinated me, especially black holes, which I am fortunate enough to be able to study directly now.
I was inspired to become a lawyer after watching the movie "Legally Blonde" as a child. In
middle and high-school, I started participating in competitions with my school's debating and mock
trial teams. I found joy in reading through cases, predicting what the opposing team might
argue, and coming up with arguments for rebuttals.
Leisurely, I enjoy painting, reading, and playing the piano. Since my schoolwork
and research are science-based, I am very thankful for these creative outlets.
Technical Skills
- Python
- Java/JavaScript
- Unix Scripting
- C
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
- Network Protocols
- Ciao Programming
- Quantitative Analysis
- Microsoft Office
- Html
- GUI
View my Resume:
Professional Experience
Lee SIP Internship (Summer 2022)
- - Wrote Unix program that corrects the absolute astrometry in Chandra observations
- - Presented research at FCAD Summer programm (Five Colleges Astronomy Department)
During this internship I continued my research under professor Daniel Wang. More information about my research can be found under the "Research" section.
Five College Astronomy Department (FCAD) Internship (Summer 2023)
- - Reviewed Astronomy paper for publishing
- - Analyzed cell images with FIJI
- - Wrote python algorithm for cell image processing
Research
I started working as an undergraduate researcher in the field of Astronomy under Professor Daniel Wang's guidance in 2022 at UMASS Amherst. My research focuses on the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (SgrA*), which is located in the Galactic Center. Our leading research question asks: "Why is it so quiet?". Quiet, or in scientific terms, quiescent black holes take in very little mass. Most supermassive black holes are considered quiescent. Since SgrA* is the closest supermassive black hole, it presents the perfect candidate for answering questions such as our own.
In the past two years, I wrote a bash script that corrects Chandra observations for absolute astrometry using the Sherpa application. I removed background data, such as point sources from SgrA* observations, allowing us to see the data coming directly from SgrA* more clearly. Additionally, I modified the source code of the Ciao command dmradar to give us more accurate binning results.
As a researcher in Professor Follette's lab, I was introduced to the biological side of Astronomy. Working on the project Exoplanets to Microbes, I learned about direct imaging techniques and their post-processing algorithms, as well as fluorescent microscopy and microbes in extreme environment seafloor samples.
One of the greatest skills researching has taught me is problem solving. There were many times when I had to think outside the box and come up with tests to find out what was causing an issue. As a researcher, you also have to be able to explain and defend every single choice you make. I learned to think carefully about my next steps and am now able to use my work time more productively.
My Art
I started creating art in second grade when my mother showed me how to draw a person for the first time.
Of course, my shapes were off, and I could not get my lines to look smooth. Now, 12 years later, my
love for drawing has remained strong.
There are times I look at my art from years ago, and I can't bear the sight. I believe this is an experience every artist has to deal with at some point.
I get an urge to delete all my drawings and hide them so no one can see the flaws that stand out so strongly to me.
Then, I remember those drawings, with weirdly
rotated noses and hands hidden in pockets, got me here.
Throughout my art career, I have tried using pencils, acrylic paints, and digital art pens. I currently consider myself a digital artist as it is my preferred medium.
My strengths tend to shine the brightest when I draw character portraits. I love watching how a face can become unrecognizable by adding a tiny shadow.
The drawing to the left is one of my most recent digital art pieces. I used procreate to create this piece.