Headshot of Michael Bottom, male, black hair, glasses, faint stubble beard, black and white button-down shirt.

Michael Bottom

Assistant Professor

Education

  • Ph.D. (2016) • Astrophysics • California Institute of Technology
  • B.A. (2008) • Physics, Math • Columbia University

Current Position

  • Assistant Professor, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii
  • Leading a research group focused on experimental and observational high contrast imaging of exoplanets.

Technology Interests

  • Detector development
  • Adaptive optics
  • Wavefront sensing and control
  • Imaging Fourier transform spectroscopy
  • Spacecraft formation flying
  • Cubesats

Goals and Aspirations

  • Developing technologies that enable transformational astrophysics from the ground and space
  • Contributing to the detection of the first biosignatures on other Earth-like planets
  • Mentoring the next generation of students in space science