Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Millisen Dill

Newark,DE

Summary

Driven by a passion for astrophysics and education, I excelled as an Undergraduate Student Researcher under Judith L. Provencal and Dr. Edmund Nowak, mastering laboratory techniques and team collaboration. My work, highlighted by a presentation at a major conference, showcases my problem-solving abilities and proficiency in scientific writing. Through my senior thesis, I plan to advance our understanding of hydrogen-rich atmosphere white dwarfs.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Judith L. Provencal
04.2023 - Current
  • My research group seeks to understand the final stage of stellar evolution for a majority of the stars in our Universe, of which white dwarfs (WDs) are the endpoint. One type of WD are hydrogen-rich WDs that comprise approximately 80 percent of the WD population; therefore there’s a high probability that stars similar to our Sun will develop into DAV. I study DAVs using the tools of asteroseismology – the study of the internal structure of a star through the target star’s oscillations – as they travel through the WD instability strip. Studying these objects will enhance our understanding of stellar evolution and the future of our solar system.
  • Enhanced research quality by diligently reviewing and analyzing relevant literature sources.
  • Routine Usage of SARA Telescopes for ground-based observations.
  • Presented research findings at conferences, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Usage of Mt. Cuba Observatory telescopes. This includes the new 1.3 meter telescope recently installed.
  • Assisting fellow researchers with their respective research.
  • Conducting data analysis on gathered data from ground-based observations and TESS.
  • Will be writing a senior thesis for my research.

Educational Associate

Mt. Cuba Observatory
04.2023 - Current
  • I assist in providing astronomical education to the general public through talks and camps.
  • I reach out to my community and discuss topics that I’m interested in, coupled with learning how to operate the telescopes at the observatory and the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy (SARA) telescopes remotely.
  • I assisted the company setting up the 1.3 meter telescope.
  • I've gained a proficiency in discussing scientific topics

Assistant Teacher

University of Delaware
02.2024 - 06.2024
  • Taught Lab PHYS221 to non-physics majors. This includes planning the initial lab lesson and undergoing each experiment on my own before lab session in order to help students more with their lab work. This lab included calculus, so I had to teach some of the students the necessary mathematics in order to succeed in the course.
  • Was available 24/7 for student questions through email.
  • Graded all lab assignments.
  • Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing laboratory rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
  • Oversaw students in laboratory to monitor and enforce rules with the support of co-TA.
  • Had Physics Help Center (PHC) hours where I assisted many students with their studying and coursework, whether it was laboratory work or general physics work.

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Dr. Edmund Nowak
02.2023 - 05.2024
  • Project is called the National Balloon Eclipse Project (NEBP), in which I was part of the engineering team. We built a payload that will be attached to a weather balloon and launched during the next solar eclipse. This payload is designed to live-stream the journey of our balloon to elevations up to 21.9 km and observe in situ perturbations in atmospheric phenomena.
  • My responsibilities included programming a Raspberry Pi to broadcast the eclipse and building a cosmic watch, which detects muons in our atmosphere. My team will be analyzing the amount of muons detected during the eclipse as our individual experiment.
  • We strive to enable a more diverse atmosphere of education for participants and expanding knowledge on atmospheric science. Our main objective is to be inclusive and provide opportunities for advancement in students’ experience, which is an important step in gaining public interest in the sciences.
  • Enhanced research quality by diligently reviewing and analyzing relevant literature sources.
  • Supported fellow researchers with technical assistance, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Increased lab safety by maintaining a clean and organized workspace throughout the research process.
  • Developed valuable problem-solving skills while troubleshooting unexpected challenges during experiments.
  • Showcased strong time management capabilities by balancing coursework demands with substantial involvement in the research project.

Assistant Teacher

University of Delaware
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Taught Lab PHYS227 to non-physics majors. This includes planning the initial lab lesson and undergoing each experiment on my own before lab session in order to help students more with their lab work.
  • Set-up lab equipment efficiently.
  • Was available 24/7 for student questions through email.
  • Graded all lab assignments.
  • Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing laboratory rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
  • Oversaw students in laboratory to monitor and enforce rules with the support of co-TA.
  • Had Physics Help Center (PHC) hours where I assisted many students with their studying and coursework, whether it was laboratory work or general physics work.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in physics lab.

Assistant Teacher

University Of Delaware
03.2023 - 06.2023
  • Graded exams and quizzes for students

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Judith L. Provencal
06.2019 - 11.2020
  • Supported fellow researchers with technical assistance, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Developed proficiency in usage of SARA telescopes
  • Performed routine analysis on ground-based data
  • Presented research findings at conferences, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Showcased strong time management capabilities by balancing coursework demands with substantial involvement in the research project.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Physics

University of Delaware
Newark, DE
05.2025

Skills

  • Laboratory techniques
  • Data Collection
  • Fieldwork experience
  • Experimental design
  • Scientific Writing
  • Team Collaboration
  • Computer Programming
  • Mathematics
  • Quantitative Research
  • Independent Learning
  • Problem-solving abilities

Timeline

Assistant Teacher

University of Delaware
02.2024 - 06.2024

Assistant Teacher

University of Delaware
09.2023 - 12.2023

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Judith L. Provencal
04.2023 - Current

Educational Associate

Mt. Cuba Observatory
04.2023 - Current

Assistant Teacher

University Of Delaware
03.2023 - 06.2023

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Dr. Edmund Nowak
02.2023 - 05.2024

Undergraduate Student Researcher

Judith L. Provencal
06.2019 - 11.2020

Bachelor of Science - Physics

University of Delaware

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Millisen Dill