Professional Experience

2018-2022: PhD in Solar Physics, The University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Research, funded by The Royal Society, involves solar observation coordination, EUV & X-ray data analysis, and software development primarily in Python. My thesis can be found here. Supervisor: Dr Iain Hannah.

2013-2018: MSci Physics with Astrophysics, The University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK

During my degree, I have broadly studied the areas of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics attained a 1^st Class degree with Honours. Full list of courses and grades can be found here. Advisor: Prof. Lyndsay Fletcher.

2007-2013: Larkhall Academy, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK

• Advanced Highers: Physics (A), Maths (A), Chemistry (A)
• Highers: Physics (A), Mathematics (A), Chemistry (A), Graphic Com. (A), English (B)
• Standard Grades: 8 awarded at credit level (now called National 5s).

2026-present: Researcher, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA

Leading analysis efforts from the FOXSI-4 sounding rocket mission, Deputy Project Scientist for the FOXSI-5 sounding rocket, mentoring graduate students, contributing to efforts for the FIERCE MIDEX proposal, software development, as well as a Co-I on NASA research proposals.

2023-2026: Post-doctoral Associate, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA

Research involves X-ray CdTe detector calibration, EUV & X-ray data analysis, and software development primarily in Python in the context of solar X-ray spectroscopic application.

Throughout my life and career experience, I have discovered and develped various skill sets.

• Proficient in Python and IDL with experience in MATLAB, C++, HTML, and LaTeX.
• Git and Github.
• Using HEASoft XSPEC spectral analysis software.
• Applying Bayesian methods for data analysis.
• Solar observation coordination planning between multiple instruments.
• Data collection and analysis from different instruments (NuSTAR, SDO/AIA and HMI, Hinode/XRT, SO/STIX).

For details on my personal interests and hobbies, see my "Hi, I'm Kris"" page.

I have led and contributed to several publications high profile publicationsin various journals and other sources. Most of these publications can also be found at my .

From Cooper et al. 2024 (Fig. 2).

From 2018-2022, I undertook a PhD at the University of Glasgow under the supervision of Dr Iain G. Hannah. My doctoral thesis, titled "Flare and back again: the analysis of high energy emission from small solar flares" can be found here

My area of study and expertise was and is the analysis of high energy emission from small solar events and software development to aid in those efforts. I became highly trained in wrking with various and disparate data sources, statistical analysis techniques, data modelling, and model-to-data-comparisons.

I have always been very passionate about making what I do accessable to others and the general public. As well as finding outreach just generally fun and rewarding, I also find that this engagement helps me professionally with my communication skills and also deepening my own understanding of the material.

2018-2022: Teaching Assistant, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Supervising and assisting undergraduate students' laboratory work. Student assessment.

2011-2018: Avon/Cander Medical Centre, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK

Working in a medical centre has given me an experience of working in a highly professional environment. My work includes filing documents in the computer database, making appointments for patients and dealing with any queries they may have. This job, therefore, requires utmost confidentiality, a great deal of accuracy and professionalism as any matter that is dealt with incorrectly can lead to serious consequences. Highly professional and confidential environment. Database management and data analysis.

Summer 2016: Internship, IGR, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK

I completed a research internship with the Institute of Gravitational Research (IGR). During my placement, I worked alongside experts where I took part in several projects. One of which included testing and analysing faults in parts of the international Virgo gravitational wave detector. Collaborated on a lab-based time sensitive international project. Able to effectively assume responsibility of an existing project.

January-April 2016: Larkhall Academy, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK

During my second semester of undergraduate 3rd year, I personally sought experience from the secondary school I attended. During this experience, I observed classrooms and also took lessons in the role of a teacher. Being in charge of a class has developed many of my skills including: organisation, confidence, and effectively communicating to large groups.

2013-2016: Asda Supermarket, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK

I was initially employed to work in the Chilled department where I was promptly given important responsibilities, for example, being in charge of the department during my twilight shifts. I also worked as a check-out assistant. As well as gaining experience in other departments I obtained recognition in the form of star points for my contribution to the standards of the frozen department. This experience has enhanced my customer service skills and has shown me how important it is to work in a team setting.

Summer 2015: Co-operative Supermarket, Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK

Over the course of 6 weeks I worked as a general shop-floor assistant. Since this store was small I had to be competent in all areas of the supermarket and in my own decisions. Working with the Co-operative has proven that I can work well and efficiently in a high demanding job.