Chris Groppi

Christopher Groppi is an experimental astrophysicist interested in the process of star and planet formation and the evolution and structure of the interstellar medium. His current research focuses on the design and construction of state of the art terahertz receiver systems optimized to detect the light emitted by molecules and atoms in molecular clouds, the birthplace of stars. Development of multi-pixel imaging arrays of terahertz spectrometers is a key technology for the advancement of astrophysics in this wavelength regime. Dr. Groppi is participating in several research efforts to develop advanced terahertz imaging arrays for ground based and suborbital telescopes. He also applies terahertz technology developed for astrophysics to a wide range of other applications including Earth and planetary science remote sensing, hazardous materials detection and applied physics.

Resume:

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Education

  • Ph.D. in Astronomy with minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Arizona, 2003
  • B.A. with Honor in Astronomy, Cornell University, 1997

Awards and Achievements

  •  SESE Graduate Professor of the Year, 2013-2014
  •  National Science Foundation Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 2006-2009
  •  Jamieson Astronomy Graduate Award, 2002
  •  Eleanor and Anthony DeFrancis Fellowship, 2002
  •  NASA Graduate Student Research Fellowship 2000-2002
  •  Phi Beta Kappa Society, 1997

Employment

  • Associate Professor, Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration: 2015-present
  • Assistant Professor, Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration: 2009-2015
  • Director, SESE Micromachining Laboratory (Recharge Center): 2009-present
  • National Science Foundation Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow: 2006-2009
  • Assistant Staff Astronomer, Steward Observatory, 2004-2009
  • Director’s Postdoctoral Research Associate, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, 2003-2005
  • NASA Graduate Student Research Program Fellow, 2000-2002
  • Graduate Research Assistant, University of Arizona, 1997-2003

Our Team

Jonathan Hoh
Senior FPGA Engineer, Team Lead and Manager for Detector Readout, Digital Signal Processing Specialist in Algorithm Design and Development, Xilinx/Vivado Specialist, Laboratory Testing Specialist, Hardware--Software co-design Expert, Master of Python and Linux-Based Computer Wizardry

Jonathan Hoh (B.A.'16, Scheduled for dissertation defense in Summer '23) received his bachelors from the University of Pennsylvania in Physics and Mathematics with a focus in astronomy. Over his 12-year research career, he has been an invaluable team leader for detector advancement on missions funded by NASA, NSF, Simmons Observatory, the Moore Foundation, and international collaborations. While no longer his primary focus, Jonathan began his research journey by pushing the boundaries of detection hardware and software through the miniaturization of heterodyne terahertz receivers and the development of publicly available Python packages for simulating and testing the mechanics of microwave kinetic inductance detectors: a state-of-the-art astronomical cryogenic detector capable of single-photon, quantum-limited detection.
For over half a decade, Jonathan has been one of the world's leading FPGA-based firmware developers for ultra-sensitive, next-generation receivers. His work has culminated in the solo-development of two novel firmware modules: the MKID Tone Tracking algorithm and the (patent-pending) Spectroscopic Lock-In Firmware (SPLIF). The latter of these two firmware creations is in use with UCLA as the basis for proving the validity of a groundbreaking room-temperature, quantum-limited plasmonic photomixer which shows promise to revolutionize heterodyne detection in mm and sub-mm astronomy.     

Cassie Whitton
​PhD Student, Computer Specialist

Cassie Whitton graduated from Princeton University with an B.A. in physics and a minor in computer science in 2016. While at Princeton, Cassie focused her research on quantum theory and simulations of the Casimir effect on nano-fluid surfaces, and was even published as a second author. She has since brought her considerable talents in theoretical physics and computer programming to ASU where she is currently working on a PhD in astrophysics and a masters in electrical engineering. 

Genady Pilyavsky
​PhD Candidate; Theoretical Instrumentationalist

Genady Pilyavsky (B.S.'13) received two bachelors of science at his undergrad institution of Penn State (PSU) in both physics and astronomy. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Gena moved to the United States at the age of 11 and has been pursuing his passion of designing exploration systems ever since. Currently working on finishing up a PhD in astrophysics under Dr. Phil Mauskopf and a masters in electrical engineering, Gena focuses his time in the lab on designing and proving concepts of instruments from optical communication to quantum optics. In his spare time, Gena enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and being a tastemaker in the budding fad of microbrewed beers.      

Matt Underhill
Material Science Student, Mechanical Engineer; Machining Specialist

Matthew Underhill (B.S.’12) received a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University, Tempe. He is currently employed at Arizona State University as a department engineer specializing in ultra-high direct manufacturing and mechanical engineering design. His general expertise continues to improve the system processes to enable higher precision and lower error rate within the field of ultra-high direct manufacturing.

Sam Gordon
​PhD Candidate; FPGA Readout Specialist

Sam Gordon (B.S. '12) is working on a PhD in astrophysics with Prof. Phil Mauskopf and a masters degree in electrical engineering in the Fulton Schools of Engineering, with a focus on signal processing and communications. Prior to joining the group, he studied astrophysics at Columbia University. Sam creates FPGA firmware, software and electronics for microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) readouts and is a member of several collaborations which are currently developing MKID based cameras. His research interests include digital signal processing, deep space optical communication and device physics of superconducting detectors.  

Marko Neric
​​PhD Student, Security

Marko Neric (B.S.’14) received a B.S. degree in physics from Arizona State University, Tempe. Born and raised in Arizona, Marko has spent most of his life in the state, apart from a four year tour with the United States Marine Corps. Marko is now on his way to receive his doctorate in astrophysics from ASU along with his masters in electrical engineering. He hopes in the future to pursue a career, either academic or industrial, in the field of microwave circuitry. 
​Jenna Moore
PhD Student
Jenna was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Queens University of Charlotte in 2016. She then went on to complete a Master’s degree in Physics at Fisk University as part of the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-PhD Bridge Program in 2018. She is currently an Exploration Systems Design PhD Student under the mentorship of Prof. Phil Mauskopf. Her general area of interest is in the design of scientific instruments for space-based experiment. She has a particular interest in small-satellite missions and in utilizing commercially available components and technology in the design of scientific instruments. In her spare time, Jenna enjoys cooking and baking, Irish dancing, and petting dogs. In an alternate universe, she is a Tony award-winning performer on Broadway.

Justin Mathewson
Lead Research Technician, Low-Noise Amplifier Development Specialist

Justin Mathewson received a B.S. degree in Earth & Space Exploration - Exploration Systems Design from Arizona State University, Tempe. He is currently working as a Research lab technician specializing in low noise RF/microwave amplifiers at cryogenic temperatures, Systems design & Electronics packaging at Arizona State University. He is proficient in LabView, SolidWorks and Python.
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​Paul Horton
Master's Student, Software Engineering
Paul Horton (B.S. '18) received a BS in Software Engineering and Applied Physics from Arizona State University, Tempe. With Prof. Phil Mauskopf, Paul is combining his interests in space and computer science by performing data science research on astronomical data. Paul is a strong advocate for machine learning and instrument autonomy and works with NASA JPL to create data analysis tools for space exploration. Paul hopes to continue his education after his master's through SESE's Exploration Systems Design PhD with a focus in computer science and data analysis. ​
Adrian Sinclair
Astrophysics PhD student
​Adrian Sinclair (B.S. '16) received a BS in Physics from Arizona State University. After completing his undergraduate degree he worked as a firmware engineering intern at Space Micro Inc. Adrian is currently pursuing a PhD in astrophysics with Prof. Phil Mauskopf and is involved in developing FPGA based readouts for superconducting detectors. He has broad research interests across astronomy, quantum optics, and digital communications.