Dr Kenneth Smith

I am a Research Software Engineer developing, deploying and running software for the Pan-STARRS, ATLAS and the upcoming Vera Rubin LSST all-sky transient object surveys. My interest is in near real-time nightly ingestion of difference detections into large databases, aggregating them into objects, crossmatching them with existing catalogues, and exposing the triaged results (assisted by machine learning) to humans (via web portals) and machines (via APIs). The aim is rapid discovery and reporting of explosive transients to the IAU Transient Name Server. I am currently part of the team of developers working on “Lasair”, the UK’s LSST transient alert broker. I am keen on outreach, having worked with the Zooniverse team and run Live Supernova Discovery booths for open days. I also have experience assisting in the provision of Software Carpentries training for students.