About
Neil Cook is a Researcher at the University of Montreal's Institut de recherche sur les exoplanètes (iREx). His work focuses on developing software tools for astronomical instrumentation, notably co-creating the APERO pipeline for data reduction with SPIRou and NIRPS spectrographs. He contributes to the James Webb Space Telescope's data analysis, particularly in NIRISS/SOSS and AMI modes. His research spans exoplanet detection, brown dwarf studies, and advancing observational techniques through instrument software development.
Research Interests: Neil’s expertise lies at the intersection of software engineering and astrophysics. He specializes in creating open-source pipelines for high-precision spectroscopic data reduction, enabling global collaboration in exoplanet discovery and stellar characterization. His work emphasizes improving radial velocity measurements, mitigating stellar activity effects, and optimizing next-generation instruments like ANDES for the Extremely Large Telescope.
Collaborations: Active in the SPIRou Legacy Survey, he collaborates with institutions like the CFHT and ESO. His projects include analyzing M dwarf magnetic fields, planetary system dynamics, and atmospheric escape processes in exoplanets. Neil also participates in software planning for upcoming instruments such as ANDES and JWST's AMI mode.
Labs/Teams: Core member of iREx, contributing to both observational campaigns and software infrastructure for the institute's multi-instrument collaborations.
