Research has always been my priority since the time of my schooling. Having grown up in an environment that empowered me to view research as not just another ‘occupation’ but a systematic approach to
understanding any topic, it has been undoubtedly the most rewarding experience so far.

I have been committed to a career in research and academia for as long as I can remember. Indeed, it has strengthened my foundational understanding of everything I have pursued. Research has nurtured my curiosity, taught me patience, instilled a sense of discipline in my scientific thinking, and has taught me to appreciate the oxymoronic simple complexity of the Universe.

My precise aim throughout the course of my undergraduate education was continuous exploration. A career in the sciences and that too in a field like Astronomy requires clarity in thought and deep commitment. Right from day one of my mechanical engineering course, I consistently endeavored to gain scientifically robust experiences that will help me build my foundation in Physics and Astronomy, give me a flavor of research with real, ongoing projects and justify my ‘transition’ from Engineering to Astronomy. Fortunately, I have been among the 0.01% of students who have had the privilege of working on several academically tenacious projects in esteemed institutions (including ISRO, IIA, IISc, IUCAA) in the country and otherwise (Caltech). Thus demonstrating my unwavering commitment towards Astronomy.

Right at the start of my freshman year, my professor and mentor, Dr. Rajesh Gopal (a renowned Cosmologist), helped me get an introductory reading project at the Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India, under the guidance of Prof. Shiv Sethi. This opened the doors of academia and astronomy research for me. Since then, I have built a strong base in research by working on a plethora of a projects that can now be collectively classified under three main domains of Astronomical Instrumentation, Data-Intensive Astronomy, and Cosmology.

I have summed up my Research Experiences in reverse chronological order that can be accessed using each of these links below.

1. California Institute of Technology – TESS
   
2. Indian Institute of Science & Indian Space Research Organization – Chandrayaan 2
   
3. CMR Institute of Technology – Effect of Cosmic Magnetic Fields on Angular Momentum of Protogalaxies
   
4. Indian Space Research Organization – Photometric Analysis of Transiting Exoplanets
   
5. Indian Space Research Organization -Space Astronomy Group – Lunar Polar Mission Exploration programs
   
6. Indian Institute of Astrophysics – National Large Optical Telescope
   
7. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics – Radio Physics Laboratory
   
8. Indian Institute of Astrophysics – National Large Solar Telescope
   
9. Raman Research Institute