Summary
Thomas Schad is an Associate Astronomer at the National Solar Observatory with a decade of experience specializing in solar physics, spectropolarimetry, and high-performance instrumentation for next-generation telescopes. He led design and development efforts for the DL-NIRSP integral-field-unit spectropolarimeter for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and applies advanced inversion techniques to diagnose magnetic field evolution in the chromosphere and photosphere. Holding a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences (Solar Physics) from the University of Arizona and a certificate in Optical Engineering, he blends observational science with hands-on instrument engineering. Based in Makawao, Hawaii, he has a track record of international collaborations and field deployments, including work with GONG and Hinode datasets in India. Notably, his background in both physics and philosophy underpins a methodical, big-picture approach to probing solar magnetic fine structure.
11 years of coding experience
6 years of employment as a software developer
The University of Arizona
Bachelor's Degree, Physics, Cum Laude, Bachelor's Degree, Physics, Cum Laude at University of Notre Dame
University of California, Irvine
English