Ronaldas Macas

Data Scientist

University of Portsmouth

Biography

Analysing data from the most sensitive instrument in the world to search for exploding stars. Interested in astrophysics and multi-messenger astronomy enabled by gravitational waves. Data Scientist at the University of Portsmouth. Member of LIGO.

Interests

Machine learning
Statistical modelling
Code development
Gravitational waves

Education

PhD in Gravitational Physics, 2016-2020
Cardiff University
MSci in Physics and Astronomy, 2011-2016
University of Glasgow

Work Experience

Data Scientist

University of Porstmouth

Sep 2023 – Present Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Analysing audio and GPS data from GB Row Challenge 2023.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation

Sep 2020 – Aug 2023 Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Responsibilities include:

Code development in Python, JAX, PyMC, TensorFlow and PyTorch
Leading and training a group of ~30 people to investigate gravitational-wave data quality around astrophysical events
Closely interacting and working with various research groups within the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA scientific collaboration to build automated gravitational-wave data quality tools
Student supervision
Public outreach

PhD student in Gravitational Physics

Cardiff University

Oct 2016 – Aug 2020 Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Responsibilities include:

Code development in Python and Matlab
Leading and training a group of ~10 people to search for gravitational waves associated with Gamma-ray bursts
Presenting the group’s work within the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA scientific collaboration, at various seminars and international conferences
Student teaching
Public outreach
Men’s Basketball Club president