Get to know Gavin

Growing up, Gavin never followed astronomy, he always wanted to become an engineer. That all changed at the end of highschool when he took a physics class for the first time. After becoming bored during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he took up astrophyotography and began learning more about the mysteries of the universe. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to study physics at Northern Arizona University, where he quickly learned that physics wasn't for him...but astronomy was.

By his second semester of Undergrad, Gavin joined the NAU Astronomy Club. A few months later he was hired as an Educator at Lowell Observatory. In Fall of 2021, he joined the cabinet of the Astronomy Club and a year later would begin his 2.5 year journey as the club's President. Gavin was trained as a telescope operator for NAU's Barry Lutz Telescope and would take over the job of training prospective Telescope Operators for his last couple years of Undergrad.

As an amature and professional astronomer, Gavin has used telescopes of all sizes for research and fun, inspired the public during star parties, taught the night sky and told the stars' stories with constellation tours, and fulfilled Make-A-Wish dreams.

In 2024, Gavin established the Leaf Philanthropy non-profit organization to raise money for charities that better other people or the world we live in. This idea came from half a decade of work fundraising for Phoenix Children's Hospital through the Extra Life program of Children's Miracle Network. Every year, he does a 12hr or 24hr gaming livestream complete with playthroughs, physical games, milestone awards, and donation punishment incentives.

After raising thousands of dollars through public donations and company sponsorships, Gavin set his sights on something bigger. A place to build this into more. The idea for Leaf Philanthropy was born. Established on Nov 8th, 2023, LP was given 501c-3 non-profit status the following year. In it's inaugeral year, the philanthropy supported three seperate charities and raised hundreds of dollars.

To stay updated and learn more, head over to the official website

During his Undergrad, Gavin began research in his first semester at NAU in an Atomic Force Microscopy lab. While that project didn't last long, he soon found himself in charge of the construction of three robotic telescopes. These robotic PANOPTES units are designed to be low-cost, research-capable telescopes that anyone with a basic high school level of education could build and operate. He completed 2 units, mentored local high school students to build the third, and trained a new Undergraduate student to take over the project after graduation.

Gavin was accepted to NAU's graduate program onto the Antarctic Remote Sensing project under Dr. Mark Salvator. This project involves using drone and satellite data to locate the microbial life in the McMurdo Dry Valleys and develope techniques to identify them in specific conditions. Using the Dry Valleys as an analogue, these techniques can then be used to try to discover life on other planets.

When he's not at school or working at the observatory, Gavin is usually found somewhere being active or in nature. He is an avid hiker, spending the Arizona summers hiking mountains or finding new trails. Every year he does a camping trip roadtrip, having seen or camped in many National Parks in the Southwest. During the winters, you can find him up the mountain snowboarding or sledding. Having been a hockey player most of his life, Gavin is typically found referreeing adult or College games at the local rink.

If he's not found outdoors, Gavin is usually tinkering with a new piece of technology or learning a new skill. As a self-taught guitar player and pianist, those passing by his door can usually hear him learning a new song. Always having an eye for technology, Gavin has built multiple computers, done basic audio engineering and studio production, and is regularly doing graphic design. At the end of the day, he still enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and hanging out with his close friends.