PHYSICS & ASTROPHYSICS · UC BERKELEY

Andrew McHaty.

Undergraduate researcher in physics and astrophysics.

I’m a Physics & Astrophysics double major at the University of California, Berkeley. My work connects astronomical observations, computational modeling, and experiments in the laboratory.

I study compact stellar systems and time-domain astronomy, develop tools for quantum-materials research, and have explored quantum-noise evolution in optical fibers at the University of Tokyo.

Explore my research About me

Berkeley, California · Expected graduation: December 2027

CURRENT WORK

Research at Berkeley

ASTROPHYSICS

Compact binaries & time-domain astronomy

Alex Filippenko’s research group · UC Berkeley

I’m developing a catalog of ultracompact eclipsing white dwarf binaries using ZTF, TESS, and Lick Observatory data to study their orbits, evolution, and potential as gravitational-wave sources. I also lead ZTF checking and help train undergraduate researchers to vet supernova and variable-star candidates.

QUANTUM MATERIALS

Experiments, automation & computation

James Analytis’ research group · UC Berkeley & Berkeley Lab

I develop an automated robotic storage system for quantum-material specimens and study crystal dissolution and formation through in-situ diffraction during flux growth. My work also explores machine-learning methods for separating crystalline peaks from background signals.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Selected research projects

All research

QUANTUM OPTICS · UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO · 2025

Simulating quantum noise in optical fibers

Extending a pulse-propagation simulator to explore Kerr squeezing and compare anti-squeezing trends with experimental measurements, with Zicong Xu and Takuro Ideguchi.

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Artist’s impression of the Gaia spacecraft against the Milky Way — Gaia · Artist’s impression. ESA/ATG medialab; background image: ESO/S. Brunier · CC BY 4.0

EXOPLANETS · COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS

Machine learning for exoplanet discovery

Applying machine learning to Gaia astrometric data to investigate potential exoplanet host stars through Berkeley’s Mathematical & Physical Sciences Scholars REU.

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Artist’s impression of NASA’s TESS spacecraft — TESS · Artist’s impression. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY · ULAB

Investigating exoplanets through transit photometry

Using observations from TESS and the Leuschner Telescope to investigate exoplanets with the Undergraduate Lab at Berkeley.

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ACADEMIC COMMUNITY

Outreach and mentorship

I enjoy bringing research and astronomy to a wider community through sidewalk astronomy, astrophotography workshops, and undergraduate research mentorship.

More about me

Education & recognition

2023–2027: Physics & Astrophysics, UC Berkeley
Expected graduation December 2027
2026: Daniel Edward Wark Award
UC Berkeley Department of Astronomy
2025: AAS 246 Chambliss Student Poster Award finalist

View my CV on the website

ASTRODREWS / PHOTOGRAPHY

Astrophotography

Alongside my research, I photograph the night sky and share the techniques behind the images.

Explore my astrophotography

Rosette Nebula