I am a third-year graduate student and NSF fellow in the Astronomy Department at the University of California, Berkeley. I work with Eliot Quataert studying the deaths of massive stars in failed supernovae in order to model the electromagnetic signatures of black hole birth.
I earned my B.S. in Physics (Astrophysics) in 2018 from the University of California, Santa Cruz where I was a Regents Scholar and a 2017 Barry Goldwater Scholar. At UCSC, I worked with Enrico Ramirez-Ruiz and Morgan MacLeod studying the common envelope phase in the formation of close binaries as well as the general problem of the accretion and drag experienced by binary systems interacting with gaseous environments.
Before transferring to UCSC, I earned associates degrees in math and physics at West Valley Community College. Along my non-traditional path to graduate studies, I was mentored by an incredible network of people who believed in me and who showed me the way to a career in science. I am passionate about helping students realize their dreams in science and beyond through mentoring and community-building. I am a coordinator for POWER-Bay Area and I am excited to serve as the Undergraduate Liason in the Astro department beginning July 2020. Talk to me if you are interested in serving as a mentor or research advisor for an undergraduate student.
Outside of astronomy, I love birdwatching and reading novels.
Office: 461 Campbell Hall
Mail: acantni [at] gmail [dot] com
Pronouns: she/her