Astrostatistics · University of Toronto
Combining astronomy, statistics, and AI to understand how stars and galaxies form, behave, and evolve.
Research Groupastrostatuoft.com
Where stars meet statistics
I am incredibly fortunate to co-lead the interdisciplinary Astrostatistics Research Team (ART) along with its founder Gwen Eadie.
We build statistical and AI methods for astrophysics and put them to work on real data
Astrophysicists, statisticians, and data scientists, in a group where everyone belongs
I am an Assistant Professor of Astrostatistics jointly appointed between the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics and the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Toronto. I am also an Associate Member of the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics as well as a Member of the Data Sciences Institute. For the 2026–2027 academic year, I am also serving as the (Interim) Director of the MScAc – Data Science Concentration in the Department of Statistical Sciences.
Outside of work, I mostly enjoy hanging out at home or going out with my wife, our two dogs, and our son. I also watch way too much anime, play way too many video games, and have a supremely unhealthy love of junk food and soda.
I develop statistical & machine-learning methods and apply them to the largest astronomical surveys — from billions of stars and galaxies down to individual objects.
Developing new methods to find the patterns hiding in large, messy datasets.
Building a careful understanding of how statistical methods behave, in theory and in practice, so the insights we draw from them hold up.
Designing frameworks and algorithms that make it practical to ask how much we can actually learn from a dataset.
Applying these methods to large astronomical surveys to learn something new about the universe.
Most of that data comes from wide-field imaging and spectroscopic surveys — stars, galaxies, and the gas and dust in between — though a good deal of it comes from small, targeted observations too.
I consider collaboration and mentorship to be at the heart of my research and love working with students, postdocs, visiting researchers, and faculty across disciplines. If you're interested in working with me on a short-term or long-term project, please don't hesitate to reach out.
We want a research community where people's different backgrounds are part of the group and part of who they are as researchers, and where that is actively supported. Everyone here should know they are valued.
We do reproducible research and release our tools and teaching materials openly so other people can use them. Most of the training here happens hands-on, by working through real problems together.
Gwen and I are always glad to hear from postdocs who want to join the Astrostatistics Research Team. Openings depend on funding, so most people arrive through one of the fellowships below — if one looks like a fit, write to either of us.
Fellowship opportunities: CPRA, CANSSI CDPF (when available), CANSSI Ontario (when available), Arts & Science, Research Excellence, PCRA (research top-up), Provost (Black & Indigenous), Dunlap, CITA, DSI (when available), Schmidt AI in Science
I cannot admit graduate students directly, so the first step is applying to one of our Master's or doctoral programs. If you would like to hear more about my research and how it might fit your plans, email me before you apply.
Programs: Astronomy & Astrophysics, Statistical Sciences
I love working with University of Toronto undergraduates, both during the year and over the summer. I post most of these projects through the program streams below, which keeps the review equitable.
Programs: Research Opportunity Program (ROP), Work Study Program (WSP), University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA), independent study courses (AST, PHY, STA), casual employment
If you are an undergraduate elsewhere in Canada, the summer programs below are the usual way in. They are competitive, but each one comes with funding and a structured research term.
Programs: Astronomy & Astrophysics SURP, CITA SURF, DSI SUDS, UTSSRP (statistical sciences), NSERC USRA (supervisor-nominated)
A few funded programs bring international students to Canadian universities for a research term. Eligibility depends on your home country and the program, so check the details below before you apply.
Programs: Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (12-week summer), Mitacs Globalink Research Award (12-48 weeks, year-round), ELAP (Latin America & Caribbean; institution-nominated), Study in Canada Scholarships (Africa, Middle East, Asia, & others)
I am always up for starting a new collaboration or deepening one that already exists. If you are thinking about a short visit or a longer stay in Toronto, get in touch and we can work out projects and funding.