I am an undergraduate student at UCLA, pursuing a dual degree in Astrophysics and Applied Mathematics . I am passionate about understanding the mysteries of the universe, especially the supermassive black hole and the stars orbiting around it at the center of our galaxy. I have been working as a student researcher at the UCLA Galactic Center Group since June 2023, under the mentorship of Dr. Andrea Ghez, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020 for her groundbreaking discoveries in this field, Dr. Shoko Sakai, Dr. Abhimat Gautum and Dr. Tuan Do.As a student researcher, I have been involved in analyzing high-resolution images and spectroscopic data taken by the Keck Telescopes across 25 years, using various photometry and astrometry tools. I have developed a software package that includes data analysis metrics such as correlation matrices and regression analysis to compare positional uncertainties of the central arcsecond and bright stars of the galactic center. I have also collaborated with a team of over 10 researchers, contributing to the publications and presentations of our findings. In addition, I have been volunteering as a math success program counsellor at the UCLA Community Programs Office, helping students discover the beauty of mathematical concepts. I have also been a core team member of IHOU- Hands on Universe India, a project that aims to promote astronomy education and outreach in India. I have acquired skills such as peer tutoring, mathematics, leadership, data analysis, and programming through these experiences. I am eager to apply my skills and knowledge to further explore the wonders of the cosmos and share them with others. I believe that I can bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, as well as a curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and discovery.
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Incoming Phd StudentUclaLos Angeles, Ca, Us -
Undergraduate Student ResearcherUcla Galactic Center Group Jun 2023 - PresentLos Angeles, California, United States- Mentors: Dr. Andrea Ghez (Nobel Prize Physics 2020), Dr. Shoko Sakai, Dr. Abhimat Gautam, Dr. Tuan Do- Understanding our own Milky Way's Center, the Supermassive Black Hole and the Stars orbiting around it from the High-Resolution Images and Spectroscopic Data taken by the Keck Telescopes across 25 years- Investigating the Astrometric Precision of the Galactic Center Stars for various photometry and astrometry tools- Developed a Software Package including data analysis metrics Correlation Matrices, Regression Analysis to compare Positional uncertainties of the Central Arcsecond and Bright Stars of the Galactic Center for different astrometry tools- Collaborating with a team of over 10 scientists to interpret data and brainstorming creative ways to advance research goals
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Math Success Program CounsellorUcla Community Programs Office Jun 2023 - PresentLos Angeles, California, United States- Helping students discover the beauty of mathematical concepts -
Operations AssistantUcla Community Programs Office Sep 2022 - Jun 2023Los Angeles, California, United States- Managing daily office operations, providing administrative support and advocating for a safe space for UCLA students especially from marginalized backgrounds to efficiently use resources at CPO.- Supervised a team of over 50 interns for preparing and distributing over 1500 food boxes to the UCLA Community under the CPO's Thanksgiving Turkey Food Box Program -
Departmental & Basic Needs InternUcla Community Programs Office Oct 2021 - Sep 2022Los Angeles, California, United States- Oversaw daily restocking of the Food Closet Program and advocated for food security amongst UCLA students- Upskilled managerial, team management, customer service and communication skills through CPO's Internship programme- Collaborated with peers to manage large scale community service events including the Winter Holiday Food box Program and Bruin day -
Core TeamIhou- Hands On Universe India Nov 2019 - Aug 2022India- Initiated the Indian chapter of the Global Hands-On Universe in 2019 with a team of 3 people to generate awareness on Astronomy education in India and offer access to niche astronomy resources/opportunities to students all over India- Impacted over 2000 students over a span of 3 years through engaging workshops on topics including use of software Stellarium, Outreach events and Asteroid Search Campaigns.- Coordinated 8 different month-long Asteroid Search Campaigns till date involving over 450 students in collaboration with IASC.
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Training VolunteerInternational Astronomical Search Collaboration Aug 2019 - Aug 2022- Trained over 450 students from internationally over a span of 3 years, specifically school students from India, on detection of Asteroids through analysis of data from Pan-STARRS using Astrometry software 'Astrometrica'- Facilitated 4 Provisional Asteroid discoveries through training and collaboration process -
Provisional Asteroids DiscovererInternational Astronomical Search Collaboration Apr 2019 - Apr 2020- Discovered 3 Main-belt Asteroids with a Provisional status with the Minor Planet Center through analysis of Pan-STARRS data. Provisional names in MPC catalog: 2016 NG1, 2017 RJ7, 2018 GR7. Provisional status to be changed to 'numbered' once orbit is determined and enough observations are made, ability to name asteroids after numbered status -
Student Citizen ScientistInternational Astronomical Search Collaboration Apr 2016 - Apr 2019- Participated in over 20 International Asteroid Search campaigns in over 6 years and developed astrometry skills and an in-depth knowledge about Asteroids
Sparsh Vashist Education Details
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Cumulative Gpa: 3.9 (Dean'S Honor List) -
International Baccalaureate (Ib) Diploma
Frequently Asked Questions about Sparsh Vashist
What company does Sparsh Vashist work for?
Sparsh Vashist works for Ucla
What is Sparsh Vashist's role at the current company?
Sparsh Vashist's current role is Incoming PhD Student.
What schools did Sparsh Vashist attend?
Sparsh Vashist attended University Of California, Los Angeles, The Shri Ram School, Bal Bharati Public School Ganga Ram Hospital Marg.
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