Maaike van Kooten
Laboratory for Adaptive Optics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz
Research Focus
About Maaike
I am an astronomer/engineer working on adaptive optics (AO) and high contrast imaging. More specifically, I am working on implementing new control methods for AO on the Keck telescope as well as testing them in a laboratory setting. I am also interested in transiting photometry, learning more about radial velocity techniques, optics & photonics, atmospheric profiling, wavefront sensing, and mechatronics. Originally for the west coast of Canada, I obtained my BSc in Physics and Astronomy and MASc in mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria (Canada). In 2020, I finished my PhD in astronomy in the Netherlands at Leiden University. I enjoy cooking, photography, and attempting to watercolor paint. I also love being outdoors and exercising; I have been doing judo for over 20 years.
Honors
Miranda Ward Physics Scholarship
University of Victoria Graduate Award
Education
Postdoc
Laboratory for Adaptive Optics, University of California, Santa Cruz, 10/2020 - 10/2023
Ph.D.
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Leiden University, 11/2020
Master's
Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, 05/2016
Bachelor's
Physics and Astronomy, University of Victoria, 05/2014
