David was born and raised in Honolulu where he graduated from Punahou School. He is currently attending Columbia University as a freshman and pursuing a degree in Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. After graduation, he intends to work in a STEM field. He enjoys food and travel, and in his free time, he likes to hike, hoop, and play poker.
Home Island: O‘ahu
High School: Punahou School
Institution when accepted: Columbia University
Project Site: Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
Mentors: Cam Wipper, Tom Vermeulen & Marc Baril
Project title: Prototyping a New Autonomous Low-Light Camera System with Dynamic Image Processing for CFHT
Project Abstract:
The Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope (CFHT) utilizes a pair of high-sensitivity cameras called CloudCams to monitor sky and weather conditions during nighttime astronomical observations. The current system uses specially modified, consumer-grade DSLR cameras that are challenging to maintain and no longer meet modern standards for image quality and automation. A replacement system is needed to provide high-quality, low-light imaging that operates autonomously in CFHT’s harsh summit environment. This project aims to design and test an automated pipeline that runs from sunset to sunrise, taking images using a modern, high-sensitivity camera. The system must deliver clear night-sky images, upload them in real time, and function reliably in freezing temperatures and a harsh UV environment. It must also include a physical sun shutter to protect the sensor from daylight exposure. A Raspberry Pi will control both the camera and shutter hardware. All system operations, consisting of image capture and processing, camera brightness adjustment, celestial mapping overlay generation, and complete automation, are written in Python using libraries such as OpenCV for image handling and Astropy for star mapping overlays, including Hawaiian constellation overlays. The entire process is containerized with Docker for consistent and flexible deployment across devices. System performance will be evaluated through a field test at CFHT on the summit, measuring image quality and visibility, overlay accuracy, and operational reliability. This updated CloudCam and its autonomous operation capabilities provide a scalable solution to observatory sky monitoring, while also providing the public with access to the Maunakea night sky.