Amanda Bayless received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin, her M.S. from San Diego State University, and B.S. from Michigan State University. She is currently the detector lead for OCTOCAM, a new camera for Gemini South. She is also the PI for the Supernova Analysis Application (SNAP) to study the physics of supernovae explosions. She has been interested in high-energy physics from the beginning, working for CERN, building part of the LHC, and Fermilab while at MSU. Her background includes studies in neutron stars, black holes, binary systems, and supernovae research.