Cathryn Trott

Chief Investigator & Node Leader

Curtin University

Biography

I lead the Epoch of Reionisation project at ICRAR, managing a small group of researchers who are using the Murchison Widefield Array to detect the early Universe neutral hydrogen signal. We are also actively contributing to the EoR and Cosmic Dawn experiment for the Square Kilometre Array project. Our research encompasses experimental design, development and testing of statistical foreground models, optimal power spectrum estimators, and study and treatment of data systematics (e.g., effects of the ionosphere). We also process MWA EoR data through our CHIPS power spectrum estimation pipeline, with the aim to detect the EoR signal at z=6.5-9.0. The MWA EoR program is part of the ASTRO 3D Centre of Excellence. We have a range of statistical and observational research projects available to potential students, suiting applicants who have a strong background in statistical mathematics, low-frequency radio interferometry, or astronomical software development.