![A_Merand_256.png](files/a449c74f-33b2-419a-b6c0-d80dac5145dc/A_Merand_256.png)

I am an astronomer at [ESO](https://www.eso.org/public/) since 2008. Since 2017, I am the VLTI Programme Scientist at ESO HQ in Germany, after spending nearly 9 years as a support astronomer at VLTI in Chile. Earlier in my career, I was involved with the [CHARA array](http://www.chara.gsu.edu/) for my master (2001), PhD (2002-2005) and postdoc (2006-2008).

My original interest in optical interferometry is the study of Cepheids pulsating stars to improve their accuracy as distance indicators.  I have since then applied my skills to many more fields: binaries, rotating stars, LBVs, microlensing and more. My specialty is to measure precise and accurate stellar parameters. I am particularly interested in the simultaneous modeling of multiple observation techniques: spectroscopy, photometry... and of course interferometry. 

I always enjoy very much VLTI schools (and wished it could take place in person this year): I started many collaborations during those events, including with students. Do not hesitate to contact me, especially if you want to use [one of my codes](https://github.com/amerand).

You can check my [personal homepage](http://www.eso.org/~amerand/) for detailed info, CV, bibliography, links to code etc.