ABHINAV ROY

Integrated M.Sc. Physics Student | Computational Astrophysicist

NISER, IN.

About

Highly motivated Integrated M.Sc. Physics student with a strong foundation in computational astrophysics, data analysis, and scientific visualization. Proven ability to conduct advanced research, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and develop high-performance scientific software. Seeking opportunities in research, computational science, or data analysis roles where advanced analytical skills and expertise in large-scale simulations can drive impactful discoveries.

Work

NISER

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Code Development: SPHERE - A SPH Visualization Module

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

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Summary

Developed a flexible, high-performance Python module for SPH-smoothed visualizations from large-scale particle datasets, enhancing capabilities for 2D projections and 3D rotation animations in cosmological simulations.

Highlights

Engineered a robust Python module, SPHERE, for visualizing Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) data, significantly improving the analysis of large-scale cosmological simulations.

Implemented high-performance CPU rendering utilizing Numba parallelization, achieving efficient processing for complex datasets.

Integrated multiple SPH kernels (cubic spline, quintic, Wendland C4) and memory-efficient chunked processing to optimize performance and handle massive datasets effectively.

Automated movie generation capabilities, providing dynamic and insightful visualizations that contributed to clearer understanding of simulation outcomes.

IUCAA & National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)

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Computational Project: Forecasting BBH Mergers with Cosmological Simulations

Pune, Maharashtra, India

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Summary

Conducted advanced computational research to forecast binary black hole (BBH) merger statistics for future gravitational wave detectors using MP-GADGET cosmological simulations.

Highlights

Developed and executed simulations using MP-GADGET to predict the statistics of BBH mergers, providing critical data for the design and interpretation of next-generation gravitational wave detectors.

Analyzed the mass distribution, redshift evolution, and detectability of BBH mergers, distinguishing between different galaxy properties over time.

Tracked the evolution of host region properties both before and after BBH mergers, establishing precursors for these cosmic events.

Contributed to a publication submitted to The Astrophysical Journal, enhancing the scientific understanding of gravitational-wave astronomy.

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)

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M.Sc. Thesis Project: Evolution of Gas & DM Profiles of Galactic Halos Using Cosmological Simulations

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

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Summary

Led a comprehensive M.Sc. thesis project to investigate the influence of AGN feedback on galactic halo structure using cosmological simulations, contributing to a deeper understanding of galaxy evolution.

Highlights

Utilized the NINJA cosmological simulation suite to analyze the spatial distribution of gas and dark matter in galactic halos, revealing key insights into AGN feedback mechanisms.

Developed and applied a classification framework to categorize halos into Main Sequence and Feedback Dominated types based on black hole activity and their impact on star formation quenching.

Analyzed the dissociation of gas and dark matter, as described in McDonald et al. (2022), to understand its correlation with star formation rates and structural transformations of halos across cosmic time.

Documented and made research findings available on IDL@NISER and Google Drive, ensuring accessibility and reproducibility for the scientific community.

Volunteer

President

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NISER Astronomy Club (NAC)

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Led the NISER Astronomy Club, fostering a vibrant community for astronomy enthusiasts and coordinating key events and initiatives.

Highlights

Served as President, overseeing club operations and strategic planning for astronomy-related activities and outreach.

Headed the NAC Events Committee, successfully organizing numerous club events and fostering engagement among members.

Mentored new members through the NAC Training Committee, facilitating skill development in astrophotography and telescope handling.

Event Coordinator

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NISER

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Organized and managed multiple inter-college and intra-college events, enhancing student engagement and institutional outreach.

Highlights

Coordinated and managed inter-college fest Tvisha 2023 and NISER Open Day 2023, successfully engaging a wide audience.

Organized various other intra-college and inter-college fests, demonstrating strong project management and logistical skills.

Core Committee Member

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LitC (Literature Club of NISER)

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Contributed to the LitC Core Committee, organizing literary events and fostering a culture of reading and creative expression within the institute.

Highlights

Actively participated in the LitC Core Committee, contributing to the planning and execution of literary events and discussions.

Volunteer

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NISER

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Contributed to community welfare through active participation in institutional and social outreach events.

Highlights

Volunteered at the Blood Donation Camp 2022 and NISER Open Day 2023, supporting community health and institutional initiatives.

Education

National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Integrated M.Sc. Physics Grade:

Awards

IUCAA Vacation Students' Programme (VSP)

IUCAA

Selected for the highly competitive IUCAA Vacation Students' Programme (VSP), recognizing strong academic potential and research interest in astrophysics.

DISHA Scholarship

DAE (Department of Atomic Energy), Government of India

Awarded the prestigious DISHA Scholarship, sponsored by the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, for academic excellence.

Publications

Forecasting properties of detectable massive binary black hole mergers in the era of space based gravitational-wave detectors

The Astrophysical Journal (Submitted)

Co-authored a research paper on forecasting binary black hole merger properties for future gravitational-wave detectors, submitted to The Astrophysical Journal, with a preprint available.

Stellar Spectroscopy Using Diffraction Grating, CMOS Monochrome Sensor and Reflecting Telescopes

IOP Physics Education (Submitted)

Authored a research paper on stellar spectroscopy using custom equipment, submitted to IOP Physics Education, with a preprint available.

Languages

English

Skills

Scientific Tools

MP-GADGET, GADGET-4, ROCKSTAR, LaTeX, NINJA cosmological simulation suite, eBOSS survey data.

Programming Languages

Python, Shell Scripting, C/C++, Julia.

Python Libraries

NumPy, SciPy, Astropy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Bigfile, h5py (HDF5), scikit-learn, OpenMPI, multiprocessing, concurrent.futures, Numba JIT.

Computing & HPC

Kalinga HPC Cluster, Astro HPC Cluster, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Parallelization, Memory-efficient processing.

Technical Skills (Astronomy)

Astrophotography, Reflective Telescope Handling & Maintenance (6" and 8" Newtonian Telescopes & 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain Hybrid Telescope), Stellar Spectroscopy, Solar Limb Darkening Quantification, Galaxy Rotation Curve Measurement, Radio Astronomy Instrumentation, CMOS Monochrome Sensor.

Data Analysis & Visualization

Data Interpretation, Scientific Visualization, SPH Visualization, 3D Rotation Animations, Statistical Analysis.

Research & Analytical Skills

Cosmological Simulations, Gravitational Wave Detectors, Binary Black Hole Mergers, Galactic Halos, AGN Feedback, Dark Matter, Star Formation Quenching, Quasar Properties, Galaxy Groups, Matched Filtering Technique, Experimental Design, Data Collection, Troubleshooting.

Interests

Creative Writing

Poetry, Essays, Short Stories, Medium Blog.

Leisure Activities

Music, Sitcoms, Cartoons, Anime, Reading (Novels, Comics, Mangas, Manhwas).

Technology & Science

Latest Advancements, Cooking, Experimenting with New Recipes.

Club Involvement

Vaktavya (Debate Club), Quizone (Quizzing Club), Mathematix Club.

Projects

P464 NISER: Galactic Dynamos

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Summary

Term project focused on the study of Galactic Dynamos.

P452 NISER: CTIS and Hyperspectral Cube Construction

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Summary

Term project on CTIS and Hyperspectral Cube Construction.

Experimental Lab II: Rotational Period Of Sun & Solar Limb Darkening

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Summary

Quantified solar limb darkening and calculated the Sun's rotation periods by tracking sunspot movements.

Experimental Lab III: Measuring Galaxy Rotation Curve Using Radio Telescope

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Summary

Explored the Milky Way's rotation curve via 21cm neutral hydrogen emission, gaining experience in radio astronomy instrumentation.

QSOs As The Tracer Of Our Universe

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Summary

Investigated quasar properties and their relation to galaxies and dark matter halos using eBOSS survey data and cosmological simulations.

Experimental Lab I: Stellar Spectroscopy With Reflecting Telescope

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Summary

Designed, calibrated, and utilized a 3D-printed stellar spectrometer to collect and analyze stellar spectra.

P474 NISER: Gravitational Waves as a Cosmological Probe

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Summary

Term project investigating Gravitational Waves as a Cosmological Probe.

Galaxy Group Finder Algorithm

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Summary

Developed Group Finder Algorithms based on the matched filtering technique for detecting groups in deep-sky survey data.

P346 NISER: Orbit Simulation with Adaptive RK-4 Integrator

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Summary

Term project involving orbit simulation using an adaptive Runge-Kutta 4th order integrator.