Bear Profile

Kyle Dawson Ph.D. '04

I am interested in networking with individuals who have:

• Made the transition from an academic research environment to the private sector
• A strong set of analytical/managerial skills
• Established a career in the field of alternative energy
• Experience in federal science policy

For the last eleven years, I have worked in Physics research and education. As an undergraduate at Cornell University, I worked for three years as a tutor for introductory physics courses and as a teaching assistant. I came to graduate school at UC-Berkeley, and after five years I finished my PhD in cosmology research. Now I am working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) as a post-doctoral researcher. I dedicate half of my time to cosmology research with supernovae, and spend the other half of my time in the laboratory working with imaging detectors for optical telescopes. I am also quite proud of my experiences outside of Physics, the most formative being my five summers in northern Canada leading 6-week long canoe trips.

My Greatest Asset is ...

My calm disposition. I am able to cope with great mental and physical stress with humor and patience.

My Current Position is ...

At LBNL researching distant supernovae and developing/testing a new detector technology. In the long term, we hope to install these detectors on a telescope similar to the Hubble Space Telescope. Called SuperNova Acceleration Probe, or SNAP, it is proposed to launch in 2014. Considering the long wait, I’ve focused my shorter-term vision to integrate this technology into ground-based observatories. In this effort, I have consulted for a research group using our detectors on a large telescope in Chile and have selected high-quality devices for use on telescopes in Hawaii and New Mexico. When I’m not in the lab, I’m researching supernovae in the largest program of 2005-2006 with Hubble Space Telescope. During the 18 months of this program, our group retrieved new data several times a week and searched for new supernovae as the images arrived. I assumed responsibility for most of the day-to-day operations:

• establishing a strategy for maximal science return
• recruiting a team of graduate students
• coordinating observations with our collaborators worldwide

The last observation for this program occurred in December and we are now analyzing the results. On this front, I identified several science topics to be addressed and recruited additional graduate and undergraduate students. Since the observing program is complete, I am delving into the analysis myself, calibrating the images and characterizing the galaxies that host supernovae.

I Work Best when ...

I am able to manage a capable and motivated team with a free flowing exchange of ideas. I also thrive when I am pursuing a series of short-term projects or multiple projects in parallel.

My Dream Job Would Be ...

Short of inventing cold fusion, my dream job encompasses the need for keen analytical capability, exceptional management skills and applicability to problem solving in contemporary society.

My Immediate Next Step is ...

To finish my projects at LBNL by the end of the year and to continue the job search process. I enjoy the academic environment very much - it is intellectually stimulating, allows a great deal of freedom, and provides the excitement of discoveries in fundamental research. However, it offers only specific opportunities toward tenure track faculty positions and I am looking to explore other options through a broader network.

I welcome any suggestions, leads, opportunities, or information that could be helpful in my job search. Feel free to contact me at: kdawson@lbl.gov

Thank you,

Kyle Dawson
Resume