Allison Payne
Greenbelt,MD
Summary
Detail-oriented data analyst with over 5 years of Python experience, certified in SQL, and possessing a strong foundation in research and analysis. Proficient in uncovering trends within large datasets and constructing reproducible, data-driven workflows. Enthusiastic about utilizing analytical and visualization tools to interpret technical findings and reveal trends that facilitate informed decision making.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Post-Baccalaureate Research Scientist
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
08.2023 - Current
- Built a standardized database of calibrated planetary reflectance spectra (light measurements) for solar system bodies, enabling cross-planet comparisons and supporting future space mission planning.
- Led data cleaning and transformation of diverse remote sensing datasets using Python and open-source scientific tools.
- Developed and tested 3D atmospheric and surface models to simulate light behavior on Earth and Mars; used signal-to-noise analysis to evaluate performance of future space-based instruments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of scientists to derive insights and improve data pipelines.
- Communicated technical findings via visualizations, reports, and scientific papers for both expert and general audiences at 7 scientific conferences and various outreach events.
- Tools & Skills: Python (pandas, Matplotlib, NumPy), JupyterLab, GitHub, VS Code, Overleaf, NASA ADS, scientific modeling platforms (e.g., Planetary Spectrum Generator), data visualization, data cleaning, cross-functional collaboration.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Washington
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Analyzed large datasets (~500 galaxies) to identify trends in galaxy environments using Python
- Created visualizations and summaries to communicate scientific insights and findings to collaborators at weekly meetings and 3 science conferences
- Collaborated in a research team to manage data workflows, prepare documentation for publication, and engaging in leadership opportunities to train new team members
- Tools: Python (NumPy, pandas), JupyterLab, Glue, DS9, Unix, GitHub
Customer Service Roles
Various Employers
10.2018 - 07.2022
- Handled high customer volume while maintaining service standards, developed strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, and completed daily operations efficiently in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to manage time effectively as a full time student maintaining part time jobs (Server at Cultivate Restaurant: October 2018-June 2019, Desert Sun Salon: June 2019-September 2019, Starbucks Barista: September 2020-March 2021, Desk Services Representative: August 2021-July 2022)
Education
Bachelor of Science - Triple Major: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Astronomy
06.2023
Data Analyst Associate Certificate -
05.2025
Skills
- Experienced in data manipulation with Python and SQL (PostgreSQL)
- Skilled in creating effective visualizations for reports and presentations
- Technical Environments: JupyterLab, GitHub, VS Code, Overleaf, Unix CLI, Excel, Google Workspace
- Scientific writing
- Effective scientific communication
- Research methodology
- Skilled in data-driven decision making
- Strong analytical research skills
Accomplishments
- Earned 11 dean's list awards and 2 annual dean's list awards
- Upcoming primary author scientific publication in the next month
- Completion of a successful science collaboration, resulting in a co-authorship on a publication
- 6 poster presentations at scientific meetings
- 3 individual talks for general and expert level scientific audiences
Certification
- SQL (PostgreSQL), DataCamp - April 2025
The Associate Data Analyst in SQL course prepared me to query a database, analyze the results (join tables, work with subqueries, clean, process, and transform data, etc.), and report results effectively to management
Timeline
Post-Baccalaureate Research Scientist - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
08.2023 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant - University of Washington
09.2021 - 08.2023
Customer Service Roles - Various Employers
10.2018 - 07.2022
University of Washington - Bachelor of Science, Triple Major: Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Astronomy
DataCamp - Data Analyst Associate Certificate,
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