The Circumgalactic Hydrogen Alpha Spectrograph (CHαS) is a fast, wide-field, narrowband integral field spectrograph with a moderate spectral resolution and exceptional grasp with a superb survey speed that competes with integral field spectrographs on 8–10 m class telescopes. CHαS is deployed on the Hilter 2.4-m telescope at the MDM Observatory.

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I began working with CHαS in November 2022, contributing to its commissioning, upgrades, operation, and data analysis at the MDM Observatory on Kitt Peak. My work encompassed a wide range of tasks, including disassembling the instrument for testing and upgrades, calculating camera angles for different wavelengths, operating the 1.3 m and 2.4 m telescopes simultaneously, planning efficient observing runs, maintaining stable guiding throughout the night, filling detectors with nitrogen, troubleshooting telescope limits and more. I approached every challenge with adaptability, flexibility, and enthusiasm, embracing each day as an opportunity to do what I love. My first-author research using CHαS focused on the ionized gas kinematics of NGC 7331, uncovering high-dispersion HII regions linked to stellar feedback or gravitational instability. These experiences deepened my expertise in instrumentation and data analysis while fueling my passion for advancing our understanding of galaxy evolution and star formation.