Santiago Casas

Theoretical Cosmologist

Cologne, DE.

About

Highly accomplished Theoretical Cosmologist and Physicist transitioning into Ontology and Knowledge Graph development, with a deep specialization in Dark Matter/Energy and large-scale cosmic structure. Leverages expertise in Python programming, Bayesian statistics, and advanced cosmological parameter estimation to drive innovation in scientific research and data management. Proven leader and active contributor to major international collaborations like Euclid and SKAO, known for developing widely used open-source projects and fostering interdisciplinary teamwork.

Work

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center, DLR)

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Physicist / Ontologist Researcher

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Summary

Led ontology and knowledge graph development for Energy, Transport, and Space sectors, enhancing scientific output via FAIR principles and Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration.

Highlights

Developed comprehensive ontologies for the Energy, Transport, and Space sectors, improving data interoperability and research accessibility.

Managed research output to align with FAIR principles, significantly enhancing data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability.

Conducted investigations into the Helmholtz Knowledge Graph, contributing to the Helmholtz Metadata Collaboration.

RWTH Aachen University

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Researcher (Associated with TTK)

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Summary

Specialized in theoretical, phenomenological, and numerical cosmology, enhancing AI agent capabilities and maintaining critical open-source software.

Highlights

Developed AI agents for CLASS users utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) with Langchain, in collaboration with the CMBAgent team at the University of Cambridge.

Served as Official CLOE-lib and CLOE-org maintainer, ensuring the stability and advancement of widely used cosmological software for the research community.

Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Summary

Served as a key Euclid research scientist, leading critical work packages and coordinating major pre-launch projects within the Theory Working Group.

Highlights

Achieved Euclid research scientist with Builder status, contributing significantly to project development and strategic planning.

Co-led the Theory Working Group Work Package Likelihood, guiding critical aspects of cosmological data analysis.

Coordinated the Theory Working Group pre-launch Key Project, ensuring foundational elements were in place for major initiatives.

Coordinated the SKAO Synergies and Cosmology Science Book chapter, synthesizing complex research for broader scientific dissemination.

Theoretische Teilchenphysik und Kosmologie (TTK), RWTH Aachen University

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Summary

Conducted theoretical, phenomenological, and numerical cosmology research, contributing to significant publications and software development while mentoring students.

Highlights

Supervised 5 master (1-year each) and 2 bachelor students (3-months each) across diverse topics including Neutrinos in Cosmology, Bayesian Statistics, and Machine Learning Emulators.

Published 7 independent papers and 8 Euclid collaboration papers as lead author, co-signing over 50 additional Euclid collaboration papers.

Developed key cosmological software packages including CLOE, MontePython, CosmicFish, CLASS-1loop, and JaxCosmo, enhancing research capabilities.

RWTH Aachen University

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Teaching Assistant

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Summary

Supported undergraduate and graduate students as a teaching assistant for Theoretical Mechanics, General Relativity, and Advanced Cosmology.

Highlights

Assisted in teaching Theoretical Mechanics (B.Sc. in German), General Relativity, and Advanced Cosmology (M.Sc. in English).

Provided guidance and support to students, enhancing their understanding of complex physics concepts and problem-solving skills.

Prepared and delivered supplementary materials and problem-solving sessions, contributing to improved student comprehension and academic performance.

CosmoStat, DAp, CEA

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Postdoctoral Researcher

Paris-Saclay, Île-de-France, France

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Summary

Focused on theoretical, phenomenological, and numerical cosmology for the Euclid mission, contributing to research, software development, and student mentorship.

Highlights

Supervised 2 Masters and 1-2 interns (6-months each) in areas such as Bayesian Statistics, Galaxy Clustering, and Machine Learning Emulators.

Authored 12 independent papers and 4 Euclid collaboration papers as lead author, co-signing over 15 additional Euclid collaboration papers.

Contributed to the development of cosmological software packages including CLOE, CosmicFish, and JaxCosmo.

DeFi Pulse

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Data Scientist

Remote, N/A, US

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Summary

Created graph databases to analyze decentralized finance portfolios on-chain in Ethereum, providing critical insights into blockchain data.

Highlights

Designed and implemented graph databases for on-chain analysis of decentralized finance (DeFi) portfolios within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Enabled sophisticated data analysis of complex blockchain transactions, contributing to enhanced financial insights and reporting.

Leveraged advanced data science techniques to extract actionable intelligence from complex, real-time blockchain data.

Engineering Scientific Services, S.A.

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Physicist and Software Developer

San José, San José Province, Costa Rica

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Summary

Developed finite element methods in Objective-C for engineering applications, enhancing computational capabilities and scientific modeling.

Highlights

Developed advanced Finite Element Methods (FEM) in Objective-C, optimizing computational simulations for engineering applications.

Contributed to the design and implementation of robust software solutions for complex physical modeling challenges.

Enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of scientific computing processes through custom software development.

Volunteer

Founding Member / Mentor

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Alpha-Cen

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Co-founded Alpha-Cen to provide mentorship and educational resources to students in Central America, promoting engagement in cosmology.

Highlights

Delivered tutorials, remote webinars, and introductory cosmology sessions to students in Central America.

Mentored students, fostering interest and development in scientific fields.

Instagram Social Media Manager

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Euclid Consortium

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Managed social media for the Euclid Consortium, enhancing public engagement and communication for a major scientific collaboration.

Highlights

Managed the Instagram presence for the Euclid Consortium, effectively communicating scientific advancements and project updates to a broad audience.

Peer Reviewer

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Various high-impact journals

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Provided critical peer review for high-impact cosmology journals, ensuring scientific rigor and quality in published research.

Highlights

Reviewed submissions for JCAP, Physical Review D, Physics of the Dark Universe, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Local Organization Team Member

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Tonale Winter School in Cosmology

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Organized the Tonale Winter School in Cosmology for Master and PhD students, managing logistics, speakers, and program design for four editions.

Highlights

Managed speaker arrangements, student support, website development, and program design for four annual winter schools.

Ensured smooth on-site operations and a high-quality educational experience for Master and PhD students.

Education

Institute of Theoretical Physics, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Ph.D. Theoretical Physics Grade: Summa Cum Laude

Institute of Theoretical Physics, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Masters of Science Physics Grade: 1.2/1

University of Costa Rica

San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
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Bachelor of Science Physics Grade: N/A

Deutsche Humboldt Schule

San José, San José Province, Costa Rica
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German Abitur Natural Sciences Grade: 1.5

Awards

Euclid STAR prize IDEA for the ECI-COM effort

Euclid

Awarded for significant contributions to the ECI-COM effort, recognized in Rome.

Euclid STAR prize for the IST: Forecasting team

Euclid

Awarded for contributions to the IST: Forecasting team, recognized with a plenary STAR prize talk in Helsinki.

Languages

Spanish

German

English

French

Skills

Programming Languages

Wolfram Mathematica, Bash, C++, Python, Fortran, JAX, Objective-C.

Tools

Docker, SLURM, Git, HPC, Jekyll, Markdown, Langchain, ag2.

Libraries

Numpy, Scipy, ScikitLearn, Numba, Pytest, Pystyle.

Methods

Neural Networks, Gaussian Processes, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Profiling, Principal Component Analysis, N-body simulations, Finite Differences, Bayesian Statistics, Likelihoods.

Cosmological Software

(Hi-)CLASS, (MG-)CAMB, MontePython, CosmicFish, CLOE, Cobaya, PyCCL, JaxCosmo, Fishermathica, Gadget2, CONCEPT, Polychord.

Domain Expertise

Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Large-scale structure, Bayesian statistics, Theories of gravity, Primordial Universe, Neutrinos, Cosmological parameter estimation, Ontology Development, Knowledge Graphs, Research Metadata Management, FAIR Principles, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Ethereum Blockchain.

Interests

Podcasting

My Cosmic-Sloth Podcast (Host), Astroblog Chile (Guest), Starts with a Bang (Guest).

Blogging

Astrobitos (Contributor), Medium (Contributor).

Outreach & Communication

Telemedellín Colombia, Delfino Noticias Costa Rica, El Espectador Colombia, El Colombiano Colombia, Public talks at libraries and outreach events, CNRS 80-years anniversary, Euclid Consortium Instagram social media manager.

References

Prof. Valeria Pettorino

Available upon request

Prof. Luca Amendola

Available upon request

Prof. Christof Wetterich

Available upon request

Prof. Martin Kunz

Available upon request

Prof. Marco Baldi

Available upon request

Prof. Massimo Pietroni

Available upon request

Prof. Matthias Bartelmann

Available upon request

Prof. Julien Lesgourges

Available upon request

Prof. Alkistis Pourtsidou

Available upon request

Prof. Kazuya Koyama

Available upon request

Dr. Vincenzo Cardone

Available upon request

Projects

Cosmological Software Development (CLOE, MontePython, CosmicFish, CLASS-1loop, JaxCosmo)

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Summary

Contributed to and developed widely used open-source cosmological software packages, enhancing research capabilities for complex simulations and data analysis.

AI Agents for Cosmological Data Analysis with LLMs

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Summary

Developed AI agents for CLASS users, leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) with Langchain to enhance data interaction and analysis in cosmology.