PhD Student Research

Dalya Akl

Project: High-energy Transients, Powerful and Luminous Phenomena Arising from Compact Objects

High-energy transients, powerful and luminous phenomena arising from compact objects, serve as exceptional probes of the universe’s most extreme physical processes. My research focuses on the physics of outflows in these systems, investigating how ejecta are launched, shaped, and observed across the electromagnetic spectrum.

As part of major international collaborations, including the GRANDMA (Global Rapid Advanced Network for Multi-messenger Addicts) Network and the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), I contribute extensively to rapid follow-up of transient events and gravitational-wave alerts. By integrating coordinated observations from ground- and space-based facilities with physical modeling of jet emission and transient evolution, I study sources ranging from gamma-ray bursts to X-ray binaries and other compact-object explosions. During my PhD, I aim to unify these directions, relativistic jet physics, time-domain and multi-wavelength studies, and multi-messenger response, to investigate energy transport, shock interactions, and the observable signatures of compact objects.

My work extends to the search for and characterization of electromagnetic gravitational-wave counterparts, particularly kilonovae. Driven by the search for GW170817-like events, I seek to understand how these transients constrain neutron-star merger physics, r-process nucleosynthesis, and multi-messenger emission mechanisms. Together, these efforts move toward a coherent understanding of the engines powering high-energy transients and the universe’s brightest flashes and most fleeting signals.

Sara Alameeri

I am investigating how much we can learn about the atmospheric dynamics of Hot Jupiters given our current observational capabilities.

I obtained my Bachelor of Science (honours) majoring in astrophysics from Monash University, where my undergraduate research covered the dynamics of celestial three-body systems. I explored the gravitational effect of companions on protoplanetary disk structures computationally and analytically. Such studies of the interactions between planet and disk particles ultimately answer the question of how our very own solar system was formed. 

Having researched the earlier stage of planetary evolution, I moved on to studying the dynamics of exoplanetary atmospheres, specifically Hot Jupiters with Ian Dobbs-Dixon. Hot Jupiters, as the name alludes to, are planets of the size of Jupiter that orbit very closely to their host stars. A year on hot Jupiter is equivalent to a few Earth days. These extreme orbital conditions (in comparison to our own Jupiter) lead to drastic changes in these planet’s atmospheres. In my first research rotation, I am investigating how much we can learn about the atmospheric dynamics of Hot Jupiters given our current observational capabilities. Additionally, I am working on identifying the current theoretical and computational limitations and the improvements needed to be done in order for us to optimize our observations and push our understanding further of these extreme worlds. 

I am passionate about the intersection between science and art, how creative thinking can inform our science processes, and how science can inspire artistic expression. I value interdisciplinary conversations that bring together natural and social sciences, cultural studies, history, and philosophy, so I am always happy to listen and discuss different perspectives.

Amna Alhosani

Project: Optimization of Hybrid Rocket Fuel Grain Geometry through Numerical Simulation

Hybrid rockets combine the simplicity and safety of solid propulsion with the controllability of liquid systems, offering a promising route toward more flexible and sustainable launch technologies. Yet, their internal design remains a key factor limiting performance and predictability. Understanding how fuel grain geometry influences combustion behavior, regression rate, and overall efficiency is central to advancing hybrid propulsion systems.

During my PhD, I aim to address this challenge by optimizing the internal geometry of hybrid rocket fuel grains through high-fidelity numerical simulations. My work focuses on developing a predictive framework that connects grain design, internal flow behavior, and regression rate to overall motor performance, ultimately contributing to the design of more efficient and reliable hybrid propulsion systems.

Alongside my doctoral studies, I work as a Researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute’s Propulsion and Space Research Center, where I contribute to the design, manufacturing, and testing of hybrid rocket technologies as part of the Rocket Propulsion Team. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Khalifa University (2021) and a master’s degree in Aerospace Vehicle Design from Cranfield University (2022). My broader interests include aerospace propulsion, aircraft design, and applied research in rocket and flight systems.

Federico Baraggioni

My research focuses on one of the most significant unsolved problems in modern astrophysics: the nature of dark matter.

Although first suggested by Fritz Zwicky in 1933, dark matter only became the object of extensive studies in the 1970s thanks to the work of Vera Rubin and Kent Ford. They demonstrated that galaxies rotate much faster than expected based on their visible matter alone. According to the current standard cosmological model, dark matter accounts for approximately 85% of the total mass of the universe.

Today, there are numerous candidates for dark matter, with masses spanning many orders of magnitude. My work aims to distinguish between these competing theories. To achieve this, I analyze large-scale cosmological simulations to see how different dark matter frameworks would shape the universe.

Specifically, I investigate the effect of these models on the Inter-Galactic Medium (IGM), the diffuse gas found between galaxies. I study the physical properties of the IGM by processing the outputs of these simulations, particularly the distribution of neutral hydrogen and the emission of fluorescent Lyman-alpha.

A key part of my research involves introducing a novel morphological analysis using Minkowski functionals. This approach allows me to quantify the differences between simulations using different dark matter candidates.  My goal is to design a new method to constrain the properties of dark matter and provide new insights into our understanding of the cosmos.

Swetha Lakshmi

Project: Stable and unstable ram mode operation in ramjet engines, critical to understanding and controlling combustion stability in high-speed propulsion systems.

In my current research, I focus on stable and unstable ram mode operation in ramjet engines, critical to understanding and controlling combustion stability in high-speed propulsion systems. Unstable ram mode operation, such as the unstart phenomenon, causes sudden disruptions in airflow and pressure that significantly impact engine performance and reliability, making their study essential for advancing supersonic flight technologies.

During my PhD, I plan to extend this work to rotating detonation technology, which promises higher efficiency and thrust by harnessing continuous detonation combustion. The aim is to deepen insights into the complex flow and combustion dynamics in these engines through a combination of experimental investigations, computational modeling, and theoretical analysis, contributing to innovative combustion mechanisms for next-generation propulsion systems.