Abyss Halley

Hometown: Conyers, Georgia, USA

Hobbies: Chalkboard drawings, riichi mahjong, chess, and speedrunning video games

One interesting fact: I have a large collection of plushie animals, including a few that I hand-sewed!

Q&A with Abyss

• What are your favorite things about the department?
• The astronomy faculty and front office staff are all lovely people who were instrumental in my success as an undergraduate. I'm looking forward to continuing that success as a graduate student here! I also love the colloquia and our social events.
• What do you think is the most interesting thing about your research?
• I'm studying the properties of objects at unimaginable distances, and despite how far away they are, we can still learn so much about them and from them!
• Why did you want to pursue physics?
• I wanted to be a high school science teacher, and physics is my favorite branch of the sciences taught in that setting. Also, I've always been fascinated by space, astronomy, and cosmology, which are all very much within the domain of physics.
• Why did you choose West Virginia University?
• I love the mountains and I was initially drawn in due to how close we are to Green Bank Observatory!
• How have your professors and/or staff helped you be successful?
• Dunc and Emmanuel have both helped me get involved in various communities in transient astronomy, and given me the space to explore my own interests within the project ideas they have given to me. Miranda has been a huge help with tracking down items, organizing meetings, and answering so many questions!
• What advice would you give to an incoming student?
• If something is done for the Department, that includes you! Also, if you had a rough morning and you don't have to teach, coming to campus in your pajamas is a very spiritually healing experience.