Dr. Thomas Killestein

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Thomas Killestein is a Warwick Prize Fellow in the Astronomy and Astrophysics group at the University of Warwick. He primarily works as a part of the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO) team, focusing on developing high-performance deep learning classification algorithms for detecting transient candidates in GOTO data. His research involves autonomously identifying hosts and interesting objects to facilitate rapid follow-up observations. Thomas is also a co-leader of Kilonova Seekers, a citizen science project within the Zooniverse platform, which enables the public to participate in making significant scientific discoveries by inspecting data in near-real time. He leads the technical development of this project, including database and pipeline development to enhance citizen science's responsiveness to the fast pace of time-domain astronomy. His research interests encompass Machine Learning and Deep Learning applied to time-domain astronomy, as well as the empowering of the public through citizen science initiatives to drive meaningful scientific discoveries.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Warwick

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.1
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:23
Total
Required:92
PTE
Listening
Required:59
Reading
Required:59
Writing
Required:59
Speaking
Required:59
Overall
Required:62
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in Engineering or a related STEM discipline
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Official transcripts
  • Degree certificate
  • Personal statement
  • One academic reference
  • CV/Resume
  • English language proficiency evidence
Specialization Notes

Includes General, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical, and Manufacturing Engineering. Most programs fall under English Band A.