Austin was born and raised on O‘ahu, where he graduated from Hawai‘i Technology Academy in 2023. After transferring from Leeward Community College in 2025, he is now pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. He hopes to use his time during and after college to explore diverse opportunities and build a fulfilling future in Hawai‘i. In his free time, Austin enjoys going on hikes, bodyboarding, and playing guitar.
Home Island: O‘ahu
High School: Hawai‘i Technology Academy
Institution when accepted: UH Manoa
Project Site: Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope, Waimea, Hawai‘i Island
Mentor: Gregory Barrick
Project title: Designing a Mobile Handling Cart for the Wenaokeao Instrument at CFHT
Project Abstract:
The Canada-France-Hawai‘i Telescope (CFHT) is in the process of designing its newest instrument, Wenaokeao. This instrument will combine two of CFHT’s existing instruments, SPIRou and ESPaDOnS, enabling simultaneous observations with both. This integration will streamline operations and make CFHT the first 4-meter-class telescope to offer nearly continuous spectropolarimetric coverage from the near-ultraviolet to the thermal infrared. To support the assembly, transportation, and operation of Wenaokeao, a dedicated handling cart is required. Since the adapter component for Wenaokeao will be built in France, but the two instruments are in service in Hawai‘i, the team in France will not have access to all the hardware needed to produce and test a handling cart. Therefore, the cart must be designed and built at CFHT. It must be designed to support the assembly, storage, and installation of Wenaokeao onto the telescope. The cart should provide shock absorption for moving over uneven surfaces within the observatory dome, enable fine positional adjustments during instrument mounting, and securely lock into place. The design must ensure sufficient clearance and access for fiber optic cables, electrical components, and other accessories to remain connected to the instrument while it is supported on the cart. The cart will remain with the Wenaokeao instrument throughout its operational life and support its assembly, operation, and storage. A final design, incorporating feedback from the design review, will be documented and reported on.