Assistant Professor at Kapteyn Astronomical Institute

My research is all about galaxies! I develop machine learning and AI algorithms to investigate how galaxies are formed and transformed in our unique Universe.

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Dr Ting-Yun (Sunny) Cheng - Astrophysicist & Machine Learner

As an Astrophysicist, my research explores (i) galaxy structures across cosmic time, (ii) how galaxies are like in the metal-poor environments and (iii) what mechanisms transform the structures and physical properties of galaxies. I try to answer these questions using large-scale survey data including images and spectra of millions of galaxies, and data collected from invidual telescopes!

As a Machine Learner, I am specialised at a variety of machine learning and AI techniques to accelearte and improve the analyses of the enormous inflow of astronomical datasets. In addition to the improvement of accuracy and efficiency to astronomical analyses, I am keen to understand what machines interpret images and spectra of galaxies, and to use this knowledge to bring new insights.

Assistant Professor

Kapteyn Astronomical Institute University of Groningen (Netherlands)

2025-Present

Postdoctoral Researcher

Durham University

(United Kingdom)

2020-2025

PhD

Universty of Nottingham

(United Kingdom)

2017-2020
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Moon-dark Moon
Astronomy x AI Lab

We are building a research group applying latest ML/AI techniques to investigate galaxies. If you are interested in joining our group for a PhD, postdoc, or undergraduate/MSc research, welcome to contact me!

We currently have funding for one PhD for studies of dwarf galaxies and machine learning.
Application deadline is on 28 Novembe 11:59pm Dutch Local Time.

Research

Working in Progress!

Contact Me

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