Personal Stories

Published in the RSAA Lunations
Vol1 Issue10 1–30 November 2020

 My journey in astronomy started since the summer in 2009, the year I entered my college. Before that moment, I had no idea of astronomy, therefore, I always say my entering astronomy is an accident. My undergraduate university has the oldest and the most distinguished department of astronomy in China. I received quite overall training on astronomy, including astrophysics, astrometry, and astronomical statistics.

From 2013 to 2017,  I begun my career as an observer. My research was to use SDSS-IV/MaNGA data to study the kinematics of galaxies, especially the early-type galaxies. I, personally, feel quite lucky to have that period in my career, because I had lots of chance to have conferences/workshops all over the world. My favorite workshop in that period is the CALIFA workshop in Mexica. I had fun there — friends, dance and, most important, tequila! I also like my trip to Hawaii. Hilo is a real gem on earth! (but the hotel was engggg) 

Within the same period, I got to know the area named ``chemical evolution’’, which I hoped to build my career on. Following this idea, I came to Stromlo. Fortunately, I am currently doing the relevant researches now.

Before the summer in 2009, I would never expect my life as an astronomer. What are astronomers? What do they do? My life should turn out be a philosopher or an artist! But now I am an astronomer, which is a hybrid of scientist and artist, but the majority is programmer (kidding).

Outside academia, I like paintings and theater plays — Chekhov is my favorite (no Shakespeare please).

Yifei Jin