Compile the document using the command: ''' make all ''' for any directory . with a makefile, and the compiled document will be in ./_build/*pdf
You will need the latexmk package as well as the pdf reader "Skim". They should be obtainable using homebrew on the Mac or your preferred package manager.
I owe a great deal to the writers of my lab's thesis template: namely Thomas Markovich, Jacob Sanders, Ryan Babbush, and some unkonwn others who came before them.