Dimple

Dimple

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

About Me

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham, specializing in high-energy astrophysics, with a focus on Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). My research focuses on understanding these powerful cosmic phenomena and their connection to the early universe and the formation of heavy elements. I grew up in the rural village of Kaul, near Kurukshetra, where I completed my schooling and undergraduate studies. I then pursued my PhD at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) in Nainital, a place that also allowed me to indulge in my love for nature. Long treks in the lower Himalayan range have been a source of inspiration, teaching me valuable lessons about staying calm and focused when faced with challenges. When I'm not immersed in my research, you'll likely find me playing badminton, connecting with people from different cultures, trekking, and most probably dancing, which is a stress reliever for me and helps me unwind and stay energized. I’m always eager to learn new things and connect with others. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to collaborate, share ideas, or discuss anything related to my work or beyond.

Curriculum Vitae

Experience

Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Birmingham

Working on gamma-ray bursts and kilonovae driven by compact binary mergers in collaboration with Dr. Ben Gompertz and transient-focused groups including STARGATE, ENGRAVE, GOTO, and LSST:UK.

2024-Present
2023-2024
Post Doctoral Fellow, Chennai Mathematical Institute

Explored multi-messenger aspects of compact binaries, studying gravitational waves and GRBs in collaboration with Prof. K.G. Arun and Dr. Shasvath Kapadia.

Senior Research Fellow, ARIES

Investigated GRB classification using machine learning techniques to identify distinct subpopulations. Completed PhD under the supervision of Dr. Kuntal Misra.

2020-2023
2018-2020
Junior Research Fellow, ARIES

Worked on instrumentation, characterizing deep-depletion CCD detectors for the Devasthal Faint Object Spectrograph. Initiated research in GRBs via optical afterglows.

Research Interests

My research focuses on high-energy transients, particularly Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs), compact binary mergers, and collapsars. I utilize multi-wavelength observations and machine learning to explore their origins and significance in astrophysics. Interested in contributing? Please contact us to join the effort!

Classification of GRBs

Classification of GRBs

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are among the most energetic explosions in the universe, yet their true diversity remains obscured by the traditional short-vs-long classification—an increasingly inadequate framework in light of new, complex observations. Recent UMAP analyses have provided tantalizing hints of a richer diversity within the GRB population. In this project, we build on those insights—applying UMAP dimensionality reduction and clustering to large GRB catalogs—to explore these emerging subpopulations and further refine GRB classification.

Merger Rate Estimations

Compact Binary Mergers through multimessenger window

Compact binary mergers—coalescences between neutron stars and/or black holes—generate intense bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) and, in some cases, electromagnetic counterparts such as short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Measuring their merger rates across cosmic time and environments not only illuminates the life cycles of compact objects but also anchors models of stellar evolution, nucleosynthesis, and galaxy formation. By combining GW and EM signals in a multi-messenger framework, we aim to refine these rate estimates and map the distribution of compact binary systems across different redshifts and host environments.

Short GRB Progenitors

Short GRB Progenitors

The project focuses on Investigating the progenitors of short-duration GRBs, exploring their connection to compact binary mergers and collapsars. By studying short GRBs at high redshifts, I aim to probe the early universe, enhancing our understanding of stellar evolution and galaxy formation. This work includes analyzing observational data to estimate redshifts and refine models of GRB origins, while also participating in follow-up campaigns to observe GRB afterglows.

Kilonovae

Kilonovae

Kilonovae are rapid, luminous transients powered by the radioactive decay of heavy nuclei synthesized in the neutron-rich ejecta of compact binary mergers. These events forge rapid neutron-capture (r-process) elements, producing the universe’s supply of gold, platinum, and other heavy elements. Kilonovae thus offers a direct window into the astrophysical origins of the heaviest elements and the physics of ultra-dense matter. This work focuses on the identification and study of kilonovae.

Publications

Refereed Publications (selected)

Non-Refereed Publications

Gamma-ray Burst Coordinates Network (GCN) circulars reported with GCN serial numbers:

26870 • 27473 • 27564 • 27603 • 27764 • 27803 • 27806 • 27838 • 28686 • 28689 • 28772 • 28781 • 28782 • 28789 • 28860 • 29030 • 29091 • 29148 • 29173 • 29257 • 29301 • 29308 • 29345 • 29364 • 29421 • 29488 • 29490 • 29510 • 29518 • ...

Find my full list of publications on the NASA-ADS.

Outreach & Public Engagement

I am actively involved in outreach activities to communicate astrophysical research to the broader public. My outreach efforts include public lectures, educational workshops, and science communication aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists.

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Expressions

Research inspires my mind, but dance and creativity nourish my soul. Movement, rhythm, and visual storytelling allow me to explore the world beyond equations and data. Here are fragments of my journey — moments that remind me to stay curious, expressive, and alive.

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