Open to opportunities

Bekah Albach

@bekahalbach

Message

Research software engineer specializing in data analysis and geoscience.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a collaborative environment where I can leverage my data analysis skills and contribute to innovative projects in geoscience and machine learning.

I am a dedicated Research Software Engineer and Scientist with a strong background in data analysis and geoscience. Currently, I work at Million Concepts, where I contribute to the development and maintenance of gPhoton2, a Python data pipeline that processes UV GALEX astronomical data. My work involves designing statistical models to enhance image quality and creating algorithms for distinguishing between point and extended sources in astronomical imagery. I am passionate about automating scientific workflows using cloud technologies like AWS, which has significantly improved our data processing efficiency.

Previously, I served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Planetary Science Lab at Tulane University, where I conducted extensive data analysis on Venusian tesserae using SAR datasets. My experience includes utilizing machine learning techniques with PyTorch for morphological classification and presenting my research at prominent conferences such as LPSC and AGU. My academic journey has been enriched by various internships, including a role at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, where I created a geologic map of the Moon, showcasing my ability to merge technical skills with scientific inquiry.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Research Software Engineer & Scientist

Current

Million Concepts

Jul 2022 - Present (3 years)

Assisted with developing and maintaining gPhoton2, a primarily Python data pipeline for UV GALEX astronomical data calibration, image processing, and photometry. Designed statistical models to detect detector artifacts and improve image quality, and created a novel algorithm to distinguish between point sources and extended sources in astronomical imagery. Automated and scaled reproducible scienti

Python AWS EC2 S3 BASH Data Pipelines Image Processing Statistical Modeling Algorithm Development

Graduate Research Assistant

Tulane University

Aug 2020 - Present (4 years 11 months)

Conducted data analysis and mapping of Venusian tesserae morphology using SAR datasets in ArcGIS Pro. Wrote Python ArcPy scripts to quickly calculate radiophysical constants from the Magellan SAR dataset. Experimented with machine learning (PyTorch) for classifying tesserae morphologies and presented research at LPSC 2021, AGU 2021, and LPSC 2022.

ArcGIS Python ArcPy PyTorch Machine Learning Data Mapping Presentation

Planetary Science Intern

Lunar and Planetary Institute (USRA/NASA)

Jun 2019 - Present (6 years 1 month)

Created a detailed geologic map of the Smythii Basin on the Moon using LROC and Kaguya datasets with ArcGIS desktop. Constructed a geologic history of the Smythii Basin based on mapping results.

ArcGIS LROC Kaguya Planetary Science Data Analysis

Sustainability Report Intern

Wellesley College

May 2019 - Present (6 years 2 months)

Compiled and analyzed sustainability metrics for AASHE STARS reporting by working across departments. This role involved cross-departmental collaboration to gather and process relevant data.

Data Analysis Sustainability Reporting AASHE STARS

Head GIS Tutor & Geoscience Tutor

Wellesley College

Feb 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)

Led workshops in GIS fundamentals, geospatial workflows, and remote sensing for students and faculty. Provided one-on-one tutoring on ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, and cleaning up geospatial data.

GIS ArcGIS QGIS Remote Sensing Geospatial

REU Intern

Smithsonian NMNH – Arctic Studies Center

May 2017 - Present (8 years 2 months)

Drafted exhibit updates incorporating the latest Arctic climate research and indigenous TEK perspectives. This involved synthesizing scientific findings with traditional ecological knowledge for public display.

Research Indigenous Knowledge Exhibit Development Technical Writing

Radar Interpretation Intern

UT Institute for Geophysics

Jun 2014 - Present (11 years 1 month)

Interpreted ice-penetrating radar data from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet using Landmark DecisionSpace. This role focused on analyzing complex geophysical datasets to understand ice sheet dynamics.

Landmark DecisionSpace Ice Sheet Dynamics Antarctic Research

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Tulane University

Master of Science, Earth and Environmental Science

Activities and societies: Presented research at LPSC 2021 (talk), AGU 2021 (talk), and LPSC 2022 (poster).

Conducted extensive research in planetary science, focusing on data analysis and mapping of Venusian tesserae using SAR datasets. Developed Python scripts for radiophysical constant calculations and experimented with machine learning for morphology classification. Presented research findings at major conferences.

Wellesley College

Bachelor of Arts, Geoscience, Minor: History

Activities and societies: Head GIS Tutor & Geoscience Tutor (Feb 2018 – Jan 2020); Sustainability Report Intern (May 2019 – Sep 2019); REU Intern Smithsonian NMNH – Arctic Studies Center (May 2017 – Aug 2017); Outreach Science Club for Girls, President (September 2018 - May 2020); Harold S. Thompson Award (2020), Camellia Student Leadership Award for Community Partnerships (2019), Sara F. Langer Award (2019).

Pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Geoscience with a minor in History, developing a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Gained practical experience in GIS and remote sensing through various roles and projects. Actively engaged in leadership, including leading workshops as Head GIS Tutor.