Research

I work in the field of astroparticle physics. This field of study is founded upon a simple idea: Many features of astronomically large things, e.g., stars, galaxies, and the Universe, are intimately related to the behaviors of their microscopic constituents, i.e., atoms, nuclei, and other elementary particles. Understanding one creates avenues to better understand the other.

My research has focussed on the physics and astrophysics of neutrinos and dark matter in stars and the early Universe. Highlights of my recent work can be found here.

Supernova

Neutrinos

Neutrinos are elementary particles with unique properties that make them a useful tool to study astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics. They are important for the evolution of stars and galaxies, and come to us from the depths of these faraway and dense parts of the Universe, bearing useful information. Studying these particles have already resulted in major discoveries, including several Nobel prizes, but more excitement is in store! 

I have been working on developing a better understanding of neutrinos inside supernovae, which is a notoriously nonlinear (fun!) problem. I have also worked on high-energy neutrinos from GRBs, AGNs, etc., as well as the impact of neutrinos in cosmology.

Collision of Galaxy Clusters

Dark Matter

The Universe is permeated by invisible matter whose presence can be inferred through its gravitational effects. It is clear that no known particle can play the role of this dark matter, and discovery of its identity will be a major breakthrough.

I work on different aspects of dark matter physics, be it possible mechanisms for its production, various ways to identify its nature, or its impact on galaxies, etc. Most recently we have been looking at the possibility that black holes formed immediately after the Big Bang may be dark matter, or that dark matter causes micro black holes to form inside neutron stars.