Gaurav Gawade

Astrophysics Background

I completed my master’s degree in physics with specialization in astrophysics at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. My dissertation focused on Mrk 739 as a dual AGN / supermassive black hole candidate, using archival multiwavelength observations and X-ray analysis to investigate accretion, obscuration, and nuclear structure.

This work involved building and validating analysis workflows for instruments and missions including Chandra, Swift, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR, with spectral modeling aimed at testing the plausibility of a dual-AGN interpretation.

I later completed a full-time research internship at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), where I worked on a transient search in VLASS data. That project involved high-throughput analysis of large radio survey datasets, automated cross-matching with archival catalogs, and quality-controlled candidate selection for transient identification.

How I Work as a Data Scientist

My data science practice is rooted in scientific problem-solving. I build structured workflows for cleaning, analyzing, and visualizing data, with an emphasis on clarity, reproducibility, and physical interpretation. In astronomy, that means handling survey-scale datasets, integrating information across catalogs, and using computation to convert raw measurements into research insight.

Beyond academic research, I have also worked as a remote data analyst on large, structured datasets using Python-based automation, data ingestion, and visualization workflows. This broader experience strengthens how I approach both research data and real-world analytical problems.

Selected Highlights

• Conducted dissertation research on dual AGN / SMBH identification in Mrk 739 using multiwavelength and X-ray data analysis.
• Performed a large-scale transient search in VLASS, identifying candidate events through automated cross-matching and filtering workflows.
• Authored research on green-valley quenching pathways by comparing SDSS AGN host galaxies with cosmological simulations including IllustrisTNG and EAGLE.
• Presented astrophysics research at the Astronomical Society of India Meeting 2025.

Tools and Technical Stack

• Programming and Analysis: Python, NumPy, SciPy, pandas, Matplotlib, Astropy, scikit-learn, Jupyter, Git
• Astronomy and Research Software: CIAO, HEASoft, XSPEC, SAS, CASA, SAOImage DS9, TOPCAT, Stellarium
• Core Strengths: X-ray data reduction, spectral fitting, catalog cross-matching, large-survey analysis, scientific visualization, reproducible research workflows

Current Direction

I am building a research profile focused on astrophysics, data-intensive astronomy, and computational analysis. My long-term direction is centered on rigorous astrophysical research, especially problems related to AGN, supermassive black holes, and galaxy evolution, while continuing to develop strong data science capabilities that support modern observational and simulation-based astronomy.