Research Group

Deepak Eappachen

Postdoc, University of Utah
PhD, Radboud University, 2023

I am a postdoc at the University of Utah in Tanmoy's group. My research focuses on host studies and observations of fast X-ray transients, electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational waves, and multiwavelength studies of fast transients. Previously, I was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, and obtained my PhD from Radboud University, the Netherlands.

Gavin Farley

Graduate Student, University of Utah
B.A. Physics, University of Utah, 2026

I obtained a BS in Physics from the University of Utah in Spring 2026, and am continuing as a graduate student in Tanmoy's group as of Fall 2026. I have worked on a series of projects in Tanmoy's group, including writing a paper on the TDE AT2022wtn, reducing data on a high-redshift GRB, and working on polarimetry data for a sample of GRBs. I love cooking, chess, piano, video games, and observing with my 8" Newtonian telescope.

Noah Franz

Graduate Student, University of Arizona

I am a graduate student at the University of Arizona studying cosmic explosions. My research sits at the intersection of transient astronomy and software: I build publicly available software tools for the community and then use those same tools to improve our understanding of the dynamic Universe. So far, my research has focused on Tidal Disruption Events and electromagnetic follow-up of multi-messenger transients.

Ashna Gulati

Postdoc, University of Utah
PhD, University of Sydney, 2026

I am a radio astronomer, currently starting a postdoctoral position at the University of Utah after completing my PhD at the University of Sydney. My research focuses on synchrotron transients, including gamma-ray bursts and tidal disruption events, combining observational radio astronomy, data analysis, and multi-wavelength studies. I have contributed to numerous international transient alerts and observing campaigns using facilities such as ASKAP, ATCA, MeerKAT, GMRT and the VLA. I am also actively involved in teaching, science outreach, and collaborative leadership within the astronomy community.

George A. McCarthy

Research affiliate, University of Utah
MPhys, University of Bath, 2022

I obtained my undergraduate degree in Physics from the University of Bath in 2022 and have been working with Tanmoy on theoretical astrophysics since Summer 2020. My project on Klein-Nishina corrections to GRB afterglow spectra was supported by a Royal Astronomical Society Bursary, and is now published.

Coleman Rohde

Research affiliate, University of Utah
B.A, University of Utah, 2026

I am a post-bacc and former undergraduate working in Tanmoy's group since 2024. I work on improving theoretical models for powerful explosions in space: Gamma Ray Bursts and Tidal Disruption Events. More specifically, my work has focused on Klein Nishina effects, structured jet reverse shocks, and energy estimation of transients (equipartition analysis). In Fall 2026 I will be attending a PhD program in physics at William and Mary. I also enjoy playing guitar and everything Warhammer 40k.

Oliver Rupp

Research affiliate, University of Utah
B.A, University of Notre Dame, 2027

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Notre Dame with a double major in physics and math. I started working with Tanmoy on GRB modeling for the University of Utah REU program in the summer of 2026. I am interested in supernovae and nuclear astrophysics. My hobbies include running, playing guitar, and playing piano.

Shamita Hanumasagar

B.A., Georgia Tech, 2024

I graduated with a double major in Physics and Economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2024. I worked with Tanmoy from Summer 2023 to Spring 2024, concentrating first on GRB modeling and later on observational astronomy. My research and coursework focused especially on computational astrophysics. I currently work in intellectual property for the Department of Commerce, specialising in semiconductors and optics, fusing the research and academic skills I developed during my studies. My hobbies include white-water rafting and ballroom dance; you'll never find me far from a dance floor.

Jude Horsley

B.A., University of Utah, 2024

I double-majored in physics and mathematics at the University of Utah. I am especially interested in general relativity and abstract algebra. My hobbies include tennis, dungeons and dragons, cooking, and playing piano. I conducted research with Tanmoy in my Sophomore year (Summer and Fall 2023) on GRB modeling.

Aaron McMillin

B.A., University of Utah, 2026

I am a double-major in Aerospace Engineering & Astrophysics at the University of Utah. I worked with Tanmoy during my junior year (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) on radio astronomy. My hobbies include mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, camping, hiking, backpacking, listening to and playing music, crochet, and spending time with friends.

Clayton Miller

B.A., CU Boulder, 2025

I dual majored in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Colorado Boulder, and worked with Tanmoy starting in my sophomore year (Summer 2023), first on GRB modeling, and then on radio astronomy. I am specifically interested in solar physics, nuclear physics, and particle physics. I am fluent in american sign language, and my hobbies include reading, playing the cello, chess, and weight lifting.

Dylan Oliver

BS, University of Utah, 2026

I graduated from the University of Utah in Spring 2026 with a BS in Physics. In my last semester, I worked with Tanmoy on investigating the newly available afterglow modeling software VegasAfterglow, and then on structured jet reverse shock modeling of the radio afterglow of GRB 220101A. Outside of physics, I love to bake (primarily pies and cakes), read books, write and play songs on guitar, and spend time in the great outdoors.

Corinna Peña

MS, University of Utah, 2025

I graduated from the University of Utah with an MS in 2025, and worked with Tanmoy on high-redshift GRBs from Aug 2023 to December 2024. Previously, I attended Butler University in Indianapolis, where I did a double major in physics and astrophysics as well as a minor in mathematics. Within the field of astronomy, I love doing observational research as well as outreach. At Butler University, I worked as a tour guide at the planetarium and observatory and loved teaching the public about astronomy.

Genevieve Schroeder

Postdoc, Cornell
PhD, Northwestern University, 2024

I am a Postdoc at Cornell University working with Prof. Anna Ho. I completed my PhD at Northwestern University under Prof. Wen-fai Fong, and the focus of my research was the radio follow-up of Gamma-ray Bursts, both long and short. At Cornell, I continue to use radio observations to study cosmological explosions, but my focus has broadened to a variety of transients, including Supernovae, Fast Blue Optical Transients, and Tidal Disruption events. For more about me, check out my website)!

Gianlucas Sherrill

B.A., Eastern Michigan University, 2024

Gianlucas Sherrill Velarde is a Physics and Mathematics double Major at Eastern Michigan University. He brings a very international perspective as a U.S. Citizen born abroad in Lima, Peru. He graduated from the Italian high school in Lima and is trilingual. He plans on doing a Ph.D in Physics Research. In addition to Physics and Mathematics, Gianlucas has a keen interest in computer languages as they relate to his research. He enjoys sharing his unique culture and background with his fellow students. Gianlucas worked with Tanmoy on GRB modeling in Summer and Fall 2023.

Simon de Wet

Postdoc, Technical University of Denmark
PhD, University of Cape Town, 2024

Simon is a graduate student at the University of Cape Town working with Prof. Paul Groot. Simon is an expert on optical and radio observations of Gamma-ray Bursts, as well as theoretical modeling. Simon is completing his dissertation in 2024.