Introduction

I am an astrophysicist by training, with a passion for advancing space technologies, undertaking environmental and conservation initiatives, and understanding astrophysical phenomena. I currently serve as the Executive Director of UCLA’s SPACE Institute which strives to build up space technologies and leverages them for the benefit of mankind and nature in a sustainable way. I have been involved with major NASA and ESA missions such as the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Planck satellite and the Euclid mission. I also serve as the P.I. of one of the three U.S. Science Teams on Euclid.

On the scientific side, I am involved with understanding the nature of dark matter and dark energy with the Euclid and JWST missions. Specifically, we are characterizing the nature of nebular emission in galaxies and using that to understand how the Universe came to be, by shedding light on the origin of massive stars and seed black holes, the origin of magnetic fields, variation in the fine structure constant with cosmic time and its interplay with vacuum energy.

In my free time, I am an ardent scuba diver and have gone diving in many of the underwater paradises of our planet, many of which are sadly being destroyed by human activities and climate change. Humans should realize we are a part of nature and use high-precision quantitative measurements to gain a better understanding of why various natural phenomena occur, and the risk posed to life on Earth by thoughtless exploitation of land resources.

I have had the good fortune to have collaborated with many clever minds from around the world over the last 30 years which has resulted in much personal growth and improved understanding. Yet, knowledge has become so specialized that not everyone has an understanding of the complex interplay between seemingly unrelated phenomena. It is these interdisciplinary connections which I strive to introduce future generations of students and researchers to, so that they may be better people and better stewards of our Pale Blue Dot.

Education

B. Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology (then called Regional Engineering College), Trichy, India, 1995.

Ph.D., Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA, 1999.

Thesis: The High Energy Gamma-ray Background and the Interstellar Radiation Field; Advisor: Edward L. Wright

Awards

Publications

Postal Address:

Geology 6713, Dept. of Earth, Planetary & Space Sciences, UCLA, 595 Charles Young Dr. East, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567

Email: rcharyATucla.edu