Dr. Ben Davis
CASS Fellow, Research Associate
Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS)
New York University Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
I work at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS) at New York University Abu Dhabi, where I am a CASS Fellow and Research Associate.
My research focuses on using recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to solve the most difficult and impactful problems in astrophysics.
Astronomy is an observational rather than an experimental science, which makes determining causality very difficult without the possibility of experimentally intervening in the physical mechanics of the Cosmos. Traditionally, astronomers could only hope to discover observational correlations and then test them in numerical simulations. However, because correlations do not imply causation, this approach is inadequate and possibly misleading.
Fortunately, causal discovery has been developed over decades (and bolstered by recent developments in AI/ML) as a transformative tool in science, enabling researchers to look beyond correlation and uncover the fundamental mechanisms driving complex systems. While causal discovery has been extensively applied in other fields, its application to astrophysics is still emerging. I have published in astrophysical journals and presented papers at prestigious computer science conferences in an effort to cross-pollinate causal discovery across both fields to create a meaningful synergy.
I am also a classically-trained musician who regularly performs on the violin or viola with various professional and amateur ensembles. Past positions have involved playing with the Southeast Kansas Symphony Orchestra, the PSU Chamber Orchestra, the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the University of Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, national Broadway tours of "South Pacific" and "West Side Story," the Arkansas New Music Ensemble, the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra, the Victorian Amateur Chamber Music Society, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, a soloist with the Yachad Chamber Orchestra, the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, and various ad hoc string quartets and chamber ensembles.
