PORTFOLIO AND CURRICULUM VITAE

NGC6523_GJaimes

I. CONTACT INFORMATION

GABRIEL ANDRES JAIMES ILLANES
email: gjaimes@cab.inta-csic.es
Momentum Program Researcher
Astrophysics Department, Center for Astrobiology (CAB)
Spanish Higher Science Research Council (CSIC)
28850, Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid, Spain)

II. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2025-03 – Present

Momentum Researcher

The TFC contract is supported by the Momentum Program, an initiative by the Spanish Higher Science Research Council (CSIC) aimed at fostering scientific research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques.

Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) - Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) - National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), Madrid, Spain.

Currently working on the project Artificial Intelligence Integral Tool for AstroChemical Analysis (AI-ITACA) (CISC, ID: MMT24-CAB-01). This initiative integrates complementary Machine Learning (ML) techniques to address key challenges in modern astrochemistry. The scope is to develop a comprehensive AI-based analysis software for the characterization of the level of chemical complexity in the interstellar medium (ISM).

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.es/citations?user=P9q9W8gAAAAJ\&hl=es\&oi=ao
Website (ReadTheDocs): https://gjaimesillanes.readthedocs.io

2024-05 – 2024-09

JAE Intro ICU Researcher. Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA), Granada, Spain. Development of an ML-based framework for classification of HI spectral profiles using unsupervised clustering and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The pipeline is designed for scalability and application to extensive surveys such as those from Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and its precursors.

2021-03 – 2022-09

Lecturer & Associate Researcher. Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB) – Radiocommunications Laboratory, Bolivia. Delivered undergraduate courses in:

IT3014 – Mobile Communications Systems (2021–2023)
IT3006 – Theory of Antennas (2021–2023)
IT3011 – Switched Networks (2022)
IT3001 – Transmission Lines (2021)
IT2003 – Digital Signal Processing (2022)

Contributed to R&D activities in wireless systems and coordinated laboratory-based teaching with real-world applications. Lab website: http://lrc.upb.edu/people/

2021-04 – 2021-11

Virtual Courses Administrative Consultant. Fundación Educacional San Agustin (F.E.S.A.), Bolivia. Coordinated and implemented complementary academic virtual courses in STEM areas for secondary students.

2019-09 – 2019-12

Engineer of Operations Jr. Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE), La Paz, Bolivia. Monitored telemetry and managed satellite control systems at the Centro de Control Satelital (CSS) and Centro de Comunicaciones y Operaciones (COCC). Tasks included:

Data supervision and hub configuration
Satellite orbital control (CCAS & OCAS)
LinkBudget, EsNo, RF signal analysis
VSAT ODU–IDU installation and integration

2017-05 – 2017-10

Radio Access Network Planning Engineer. Nuevatel PCS, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Planned and simulated wireless radio access networks for 2G, 3G, 4G, and WiMax technologies. Used tools: ASSET-Aircom Enterprise, MapInfo, and Global Mapper. Managed national network KPIs for vendors ZTE, Nokia, and Huawei.

2015-02 – 2015-08

Network Quality Assurance Engineering Intern. Telecel TIGO, Cochabamba, Bolivia. Analyzed network coverage, QoS, QoE, and capacity for national infrastructure supporting 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.

2011-04 – 2017-05

Consulting STEAM Teacher. Héroes del Boquerón School, Bolivia. Taught physics, mathematics, and astronomy to high school students.

III. ASTROPHYSICAL OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE

Hands-on observational training and research experience using professional-grade telescopes at leading astronomical facilities. These sessions contributed to instrumental calibration, photometric measurements, and supernovae observations. Participation involved telescope operation, data acquisition, and preliminary reduction techniques under professional mentorship.

IAC80 Telescope – Teide Observatory, Spain. Training in optical photometry and night operations.
Isaac Newton Telescope (INT) – Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma. Observations and data reduction using CCD Sensors.
Mercator Telescope – La Palma. Exposure to high-resolution spectroscopy techniques and precision targeting.
Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) – Global Robotic Network. Principal investigator of educational and supernova monitoring campaigns.

Astronomical Database report for: AAVSO, COBS, TNS

Astrophotography: Astrobin

IV. PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED AND RISE OF FUNDING

I have raised a total of €11,373 in support of scientific research, and astronomy education projects. These initiatives were executed voluntarily and at no cost for participants, aiming to benefit students, educators, and the astronomy community. Support has come from grants, technical proposals and volunteering in organizations such as the International Astronomical Union (IAU), local foundations and university laboratories.

2019-06 – Present

NAEC Bolivia – National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC). Office for Astronomy Education (OAE) - International Astronomical Union (IAU) Coordinates astronomy education programs and outreach efforts throughout Bolivia.

NAEC Bolivia - OAE - IAU: https://astro4edu.org/naec-network/BO/

2024-07 – Present

Principal Investigator (PI) – Bolivian Virtual Observatory (BVO) Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) – Global Sky Partner Leads supernova (SNII) monitoring campaigns and astrophotography educational outreach initiatives.

Website: https://bolivianvirtualobservatory.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

Rise: 15 hours of robotic telescope time, valued at $3750 USD.

2021-06

Leader – Astro3DBol Project Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), IAU Designed and deployed 3D printed educational kits connecting Tiwanaku cultural heritage with modern astronomy.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/astro3dbol

Rise: Approved proposal raised €3360 in funding. Additional institutional support equivalent to €500.

2021-10

Instrumentation Coordinator – Bolivian San Agustín Remote Observatory An initiative by Fundación Educacional San Agustín (FESA) supported by Europlanet Public Engagement Funding Scheme. The observatory seeks to foster sustainable collaboration, inclusive education, and innovative research. It currently supports high school astronomy education and outreach in Cochabamba.

Article: Europlanet Magazine, Issue 2

Rise: Approved proposal raised €3715 in funding.

2021-03

Leader – Bolivian Delegation to the IOAA International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA), coordinated with OLAA & OCEPB.

Note: https://eldeber.com.bo

Rise: Secured local academic and institutional support for implementation via Fundación FESA.

2019-08

Open Astronomy Schools – AstroEdu Cochabamba Organized teacher training in astronomy as part of the global Open Astronomy Schools program.

Website: https://open-astronomy-schools.org/2019/08/astroedu-brings-astronomy-to-bolivian-teachers/

Rise: Approved proposal raised €500 in funding.

V. UNIVERSITY DEGREES

2022-09 – 2024-07

MSc in Astrophysics – Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Spain. Specialization: Instrumental and Observational Astrophysics. Fundación Carolina Scholarship. Practical training at IAC. Thesis: Explored corotation radius detection using CO(2-1) moment maps from the PHANGS-ALMA survey. Applied advanced shapelet transformations and clustering techniques to analyze molecular gas dynamics.

2018-09 – 2020-08

MEng in Electronic Science and Technology – Beihang University (BUAA), Beijing, China. CSC Scholarship. Focused on satellite payload antenna design and Ka-band communication systems for LEO platforms.

2011-02 – 2015-12

Bachelor in Telecommunications Engineering – Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo. Graduated with First-Class Honors (100/100). Thesis: Small Cells deployment strategy for Cochabamba’s dense urban areas.

2016-12

Diploma in University Education – Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS), Cochabamba.

VI. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL COURSES

2021-04 – Technical and Strategic Vision of 5G – Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) / Qualcomm
2021-01 – Mobile Broadband Internet and Future Services – ITU Certification
2012-10 – 3G/4G Mobile Telecom Systems – NUXWAY S.I.B., Bolivia
2014-05 – Intro to Geo-satellite Technology – UCB San Pablo
2012-10 – Satellite Technology and Perspectives in Bolivia – Engineers of Bolivia Society
2011-03 – Computer Hardware Assembly and Maintenance – ECUABOL Technologies

VII. SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION

AUTHOR

Classification of HI Galaxy Profiles Using Unsupervised Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks: A Comparative Analysis and Methodological Cases of Studies
Jaimes, G.
14th Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems (ADASS), 1 Jan 2025. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is crucial for understanding galaxy formation and evolution. The 21 cm neutral atomic hydrogen (HI) spectral line maps the gas kinematics within galaxies, providing key insights into interactions, galactic structure, and star formation processes. With new radio instruments, the volume and complexity of data is increasing. To analyze and classify integrated HI spectral profiles efficiently, this work presents a framework that integrates Machine Learning (ML) techniques, combining unsupervised methods and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The framework was applied to a subsample of 318 spectral HI profiles from the Catalogue of Isolated Galaxies (CIG) and 30,780 profiles from the ALFALFA survey. Pre-processing used the Busyfit package and polynomial, Gaussian, and double-Lorentzian models. Clustering techniques such as K-means, spectral clustering, DBSCAN, and agglomerative clustering enabled feature extraction. Classification was bootstrapped using K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Machines, and Random Forest, and later optimized using CNN. Additionally, 2D representations of the profiles based on rotation, subtraction, and normalization helped quantify asymmetry and improve classification. This methodology can support future surveys like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). ADS Link: https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2025arXiv250111657J/abstract
Book: Astronomy and Astrophysics for Scientific Olympiads
Jaimes, G.
Fundación FESA, 2017.
SENAPI Registry:
https://senapi.gob.bo/sites/default/files/senapi/gaceta/gaceta-971-dautor-20170613.pdf
Performance Measurement Methodology in LTE-Advanced Networks Using QoS Metrics and Mobile Data Services
Jaimes, G., Siles, G.A.
Revista Investigación y Desarrollo, Vol. 22, Num. 1 (2022).
DOI: 10.23881/idupbo.022.1-11i
Planning and Simulation for Radio Access Networks Based on Small Cells Using Radio Planning Tools
Jaimes, G.
Revista Investigación y Desarrollo, Vol. 21, Num. 1 (2021).
DOI: 10.23881/idupbo.021.1-2i
Space Technology and Telecommunication Networks for the UN 2030 Agenda – The Case of Bolivia
UN/China Forum on Space Technology for the Sustainable Development Goals, Changsha, 2019. https://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/psa/activities/2019/UNChinaSymSDGs

CO-AUTHOR

Latin-American Space Workforce and Andean Road Countries (Co-author)
International Astronautical Congress (IAC), 2019.
https://iafastro.directory/iac/paper/id/50349/summary/
Kilonova Seekers: the GOTO project for real-time citizen science in time-domain astrophysics
TL Killestein, L Kelsey, E Wickens, L Nuttall, J Lyman, C Krawczyk, ...
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 533(2), 2113–2132
2024
Recurrent nova M31N 2008-12a: ATLAS pre-discovery detection and forced photometry of the 2023 eruption
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16370, 1
2023
SN 2023wrk (GOTO23bdo, ZTF23abpbdfm, ULL-ASTRO-MASTER-7): a SN Ia in NGC 3690, the most prolific SN factory
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 296, 1
2023
Kilonova Seekers: the GOTO project for real-time citizen science in time-domain astrophysics
arXiv preprint arXiv:2406.02334
2024
AT 2023zcu (ATLAS23wvm, ZTF23absdcgi): a fast and bright supernova candidate in the galaxy NGC 2139
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 332, 1
2023
LCOGT independent discovery of the bright M31 nova candidate AT 2023yqt (PSP23Q, ULL-ASTRO-MASTER-9, M31N 2023-12a)
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16363, 1
2023
GRB 231210B: detection of the optical counterpart with the LCOGT 40cm telescope at Sutherland Observatory
GRB Coordinates Network, 35316, 1
2023
ULL-ASTRO-MASTER Transient Discovery Report for 2023-11-06
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
LCOGT observations of the 2023 eruption of the M31 recurrent Nova M31N 2013-10c (PSP23N, AT 2023yoa, M31N 2023-11f, ULL-ASTRO-MASTER-8)
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16355, 1
2023
SGLF Transient Discovery Report for 2023-10-21
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
AT 2023txu (ATLAS23tma, Gaia23ctg), a candidate SN in NGC 6676: follow-up with the IAC80 telescope
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 264, 1
2023
GRB 231024A: LCOGT and ZTF detections of the GOTO optical counterpart candidate
GRB Coordinates Network, 34881, 1
2023
ULL-ASTRO-MASTER Transient Discovery Report for 2023-10-28
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
ULL-ASTRO-MASTER Transient Discovery Report for 2023-10-15
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
ULL-ASTRO-MASTER Transient Discovery Report for 2023-10-19
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
ULL-ASTRO-MASTER Transient Discovery Report for 2023-10-14
Transient Name Server Discovery Report, 2023, 1
2023
Independent discovery of the bright M31 nova AT 2023uiq (ULL-ASTRO-MASTER-1) with the Las Cumbres Observatory DeltaRho 350 telescope at McDonald Observatory
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16286, 1
2023
LCOGT photometric follow-up of the highly reddened Galactic nova AT 2023tow (Gaia23coj, ZTF23abceaws)
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16259, 1
2023
Independent discovery of a bright nova candidate in M31 with the Las Cumbres Observatory
The Astronomer's Telegram, 16263, 1
2023
Pre-rise activity in the type IIn SN 2023qdi (PS23guw, ATLAS23sbe, ZTF23aayngri)
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 257, 1
2023
AT 2023rto, supernova candidate in NGC 2838: LCOGT photometric follow up
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 254, 1
2023
SN 2023rve: follow-up photometry with LCOGT DeltaRho 350+ QHY600
Transient Name Server AstroNote, 246, 1
2023

VIII. DISSERTATIONS

DSO Astrophotography. Published in Opinión newspaper on August 17, 2022. https://www.opinion.com.bo/opinion/gabriel-andres-jaimes-illanes
The Art of Looking Beyond the Lights. Published in Los Tiempos newspaper on February 19, 2024. https://www.lostiempos.com/oh/actualidad/20240219/arte-mirar-mas-alla-luces.
Astronomy Education as the 'Academic Ether' – Bolivia Case Study
2nd Shaw–IAU Workshop on Astronomy for Education, 2020.
Colloquium: Small Communication Satellites – Background and Applications
UPB – Laboratorio de Radiocomunicaciones (LRC), Cochabamba, 2020.
Astronomy Teaching and Didactics in Latin America
1st Latin American Meeting on Astronomy Teaching and Didactics (Virtual), Chile.
Astronomy in Bolivia – Culture, Research and Education
Planetarium of Combarranquilla, Colombia.
Equinoxes, Solstices and NAEC Education
FrontLine Science, Miami, USA.
Astrophysics in Action for Science, Education and Projects
Horizons 2024: SG Bolivia Online Workshop, Bolivia.
Coordination of the “San Agustín” Astronomy Club
Fundación Educacional FESA.
Astronomical Instrumentation and Considerations for Choosing a First Telescope
ASTROCBA, Bolivia.
DSO Astrophotography and Optimization of Astronomical Data Acquisition Using Portable Equipment
II National Meeting of Amateur Astronomers 2024, Bolivia.
Astrophotography with DSLR Cameras
Online Seminars by Amateur Astronomers of Bolivia.

IX. SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

2025-06 – Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC) – EDUCADO Project
June 16–20, 2025
Received funding for fee waiver to attend the second EDUCADO Training School, hosted by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) at the University of La Laguna, Tenerife. The program features advanced training in computer science concepts applied to astrophysics, including machine learning, morphological filtering, probabilistic modeling, coding practices, and soft skills. Includes lectures, hands-on projects, interactive sessions, and a visit to the Teide Observatory.
2024-05 - JAE Intro ICU Scholarship – Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía (IAA) & Spanish Higher Science Research Council (CSIC), Granada, Spain Awarded a JAE Intro research studentship by the Spanish Higher Science Research Council (CSIC). The project was developed with AMIGA Research Group at the Extragalactic Physics Department. Focused on developing a machine learning-based framework for the classification of HI spectral profiles, combining unsupervised clustering and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The pipeline was designed for scalability and applicability to large-scale radio astronomy surveys such as those from the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and its precursors.
2022-11 – Global Rising Star Award – Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)
Recognized internationally with the Global Rising Star Award by SGAC (USA) for outstanding engagement and leadership in space-related activities. The award included sponsorship to attend the 20th Space Generation Congress and the 73rd International Astronautical Congress in Paris, France.
2022-09 – Fundación Carolina Scholarship (FUNDACIÓN RAMÓN ARECES), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL) and Instituto de Astrofísicas de Canarias (IAC)
Awarded a fully funded academic scholarship by Fundación Carolina to pursue the MSc. in Astrophysics at the Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Spain. The program is jointly supported by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), one of Europe’s leading astrophysics research centers.
2022-05 – South American Space Leaders Award – SGAC
SGAC announced the winners of the 2022 South American Space Leaders Award, sponsoring participation in the 7th South American Space Generation Workshop (SA-SGW) held on May 15, 2022, in Quito, Ecuador.
2018-09 – Chinese Government CSC Scholarship
Received the prestigious China Scholarship Council (CSC) full scholarship to study at Beihang University (BUAA), Beijing, China. The program supported advanced training in space science and engineering disciplines within one of China’s top aerospace institutions.
2014-06 – UCB San Pablo Excellence Scholarship
Awarded the Excellence Scholarship by the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” in recognition of academic merit and leadership potential. Covered tuition for undergraduate studies in Telecommunications Engineering.
2012-06 – UCB San Pablo Cultural Scholarship
Awarded for cultural activities and contributions to university life and celebrations at UCB.
2017 - 04 - Jaime Escalante Decoration – Government of Cochabamba, Bolivia
Honored with the Jaime Escalante Decoration for contributions to STEAM education in support of the Plurinational Student Scientific Olympiad (Olimpiada Científica Estudiantil Plurinacional). Different versions of the event where developed around the country forming students to participate in the Latin American Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad (OLAA) and the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).