Dr. Anitha Raj Rajkumar

Exploring Stellar Astrophysics with VVVX Data and Non-linear Data Science Methods

GEMINI–ANID Project · Código GEMINI 32240028

Developing nonlinear methods for identifying exoplanets, flares in young stellar objects (YSOs), rare variables, eclipsing binaries, and brown or ultracool dwarfs using infrared survey data, nonlinear time-series analysis, machine learning, and statistical techniques.

Advisor: Dr. Carlos Ferreira Lopes

Final grade: 6.5 / 7

Final grade: 8.6 CGPA

Final grade: 8.9 CGPA

Probing Clouds and Hazes in Hot-Jupiter Atmospheres from NUV–MIR

Investigated the atmospheric properties of hot and ultra-hot Jupiters using multi-wavelength observations from the near-ultraviolet to the mid-infrared, combining data from HST, JWST, VLT, Gemini, TESS, and ground-based facilities.

Applied forward modelling, Bayesian atmospheric retrievals, and photochemical models to constrain molecular abundances, clouds, hazes, thermal structures, and disequilibrium chemistry. The thesis also examined transit-timing variations and orbital evolution, investigating how atmospheric composition and planetary properties are influenced by gravity, irradiation, aerosols, and chemical processes.

Advisors: Dr. Carlos Ferreira Lopes, Dr. Amelia Bayo and Dr. Jeremy Tregloan-Reed

Long-Term Study of Meteor Count Rate and Meteor Echo Detection Height During Solar Cycles 23 and 24

Analysed meteor radar observations from Thumba, India, to study meteor occurrence rates, echo-height variations, and ablation altitudes across Solar Cycles 23 and 24.

Examined correlations between meteor activity, sunspot number, solar radio flux at 10.7 cm (F10.7), and Mg II indices, while also investigating annual meteor-shower periodicity and atmospheric conditions in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere region.

Advisors: Dr. Chenna Reddy and Dr. C. Ramathilagam

Developed an Arduino-based home automation system for remotely controlling electrical appliances. The project explored automated lighting, appliance control, street-light intensity regulation, obstacle detection, and energy-efficient solar lighting.

Advisor: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

Proposal awarded 4.5 hours of Gemini-GMOS observing time to investigate hot-Jupiter atmospheres.

Proposal awarded 4.5 hours of Gemini-GMOS observing time to investigate hot-Jupiter atmospheres.

Participated in the European Southern Observatory's online Proposal Writing School, receiving training in preparing and submitting observing proposals, the proposal evaluation and review process, and the principles of critically reviewing scientific proposals.

Participated in Danish Telescope operations for microlensing searches and exoplanet characterisation as part of the international MINDSTEp collaboration (Microlensing Network for the Detection of Small Terrestrial Exoplanets), including remote and on-site observing.

Participated in observational training using an 8-inch telescope, including observations of Jupiter and lunar craters.

Doctoral scholarship awarded by Chile's National Agency for Research and Development.

Served on three review panels.

Managed INCT-UDA's social media platforms, highlighting and communicating the institute's achievements.

CLP 310,000 travel support to attend the XVII Latin American Regional IAU Meeting in Uruguay.

EUR 1,200 grant to participate in Complex Planetary Systems II, IAU Symposium 382, Belgium.

EUR 700 travel grant to attend the European Astronomical Society Meeting in Poland.

USD 1,200 accommodation grant to attend the Sagan Exoplanet Summer Workshop in California, USA.

Data Preview 0 (DP0) delegate for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.

Member of the James Webb Space Telescope Transiting Exoplanet Community Early Release Science Programme.

Shortlisted for the International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Cosmic Physics at Heidelberg University.

Award for overall academic performance.

Providing academic and research mentorship to students pursuing astronomy and physics, offering guidance on research projects, PhD applications, scientific writing, and interview preparation.

Worked as a freelance content writer.

Poster on TTV in the WASP-19 system.

Talk on WASP-107 b.

Research talk.

Poster presentation; volunteer for the ESO and Astronomical Society of India booths.

Poster presentation.

Talk on the orbital decay of WASP-19 b and a poster on astrobiology.

Poster presentation and helper for a hands-on session on petitRADTRANS retrievals.

Paper presentation on WASP-19 b.

Paper presentation on clouds and hazes in inflated hot Jupiters.

Poster and group presentations.

Participated in a workshop organised by the Indian Astrobiology Research Centre.

Participated in the programme organised by Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, India.

Presented an introductory talk on “Basics of Astronomy: Earth & Beyond” to middle-school students and encouraged students to pursue STEM careers.

Presented a research talk on “Exoplanets and Habitability” to undergraduate and master's students and encouraged students to pursue STEM careers.

Hosted a public outreach stall demonstrating fundamental concepts in astronomy and astrobiology through interactive experiments.

Delivered an introductory talk on ELT instruments and their applications for investigating exoplanetary atmospheres.

Led public telescope nights and astronomy sessions and delivered science storytelling activities for school groups and families. The activity was featured in the local newspaper Diario.

Presented a public astronomy talk about the Moon.