Posted: December 15, 2021

Kevin first discovered his interest in both astronomy and computer programming at age 9, and pursued these interests simultaneously but separately for many years. In 2002 while taking a course in astronomy at the University of Iowa, Kevin was introduced to the concept of robotic telescopes and discovered the extent to which these two interests could be combined. While completing his B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics, Kevin began developing software to control a pair of remote telescopes operated by the University, as well as few optical and radio telescopes located on campus. Kevin continued to take as many astronomy courses as possible while working to develop image processing and data analysis tools to be used by faculty and students in the department.

After graduating in 2004, Kevin pursued an M.S. in Computer Science at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. After completing his degree in 2006, Kevin became the lead software engineer for the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, a global network of telescopes managed by the UNC-CH Department of Physics and Astronomy. Kevin worked on the development of the telescope control software, observation scheduler, data analysis tools, and web interface to the telescope network. Kevin also developed an array of troubleshooting tools to assist in remotely diagnosing and fixing problems across a wide variety of unattended telescope systems.

In 2013, Kevin joined PlaneWave instruments and has led the development of the control software for all computer-controlled PlaneWave products, including the L-Series direct drive mounts, PW1000 and CDK700 integrated telescope systems, focusers, instrument rotators, and automated mirror cover systems. He has also created numerous internal testing and commissioning tools to ensure that every product we ship meets PlaneWave’s high standards for quality and reliability.