Cosmic Explorer | Steward Observatory | University of Arizona
I’m currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona , working with Prof. Dave Sand to study young, nearby supernovae and investigate the formation of dust in core-collapse supernova (CCSNe) ejecta . Using the powerful capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) , my research is focused on understanding these energetic explosions and their impact on dust production in the universe.
Before joining University of Arizona, I completed my Ph.D. in Astrophysics at Purdue University under the supervision of Dr. Danny Milisavljevic . As part of Purdue’s Time Domain Astrophysics Group , I worked on developing advanced statistical inference techniques to extract explosion parameters from sparse supernova light curves from all-sky surveys. Through innovative data analysis methods, we developed a real-time inferencing system that uses hydrodynamical models and statistical sampling methods to derive physics of these explosiosn. I contributed to the development of the Recommender Engine for Intelligent Transient Tracking (REFITT) —an AI-driven system designed to optimize observing strategies and follow-up decisions on transients from all-sky surveys in real time. REFITT is designed to address the Big Data challenge of the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) , helping to ensure that the scientific capabilities of the survey are fully maximized enhancing time-domain astronomy.
Beyond my academic work, I’m passionate about programming, data science , and the application of machine learning in astronomy. I’m also a strong advocate for women and underrepresented groups in STEM , and I take pride in participating in leadership roles that promote diversity and inclusion in science.
As a South Indian from Kerala , I enjoy balancing my scientific work with hobbies like traveling, working out, running, playing volleyball , and cooking —all of which keep me inspired and grounded.
Feel free to explore my work or reach out if you’re interested in collaborating!
Research Interests
- Multiwavelength observations of astrophysical transients in time-domain astronomy
- Maximizing scientific return from ongoing and upcoming all-sky surveys using AI
- Understanding core-collapse supernovae with their remnants
- Investigating precursor activities and mass-loss mechanisms in massive stars
Contact
Steward Observatory
University of Arizona
933 North Cherry Avenue,
Tucson, AZ 85719
Email:bsubrayan@arizona.edu
Phone: (+1)765-418-2457