Hi there! I’m Roya, a researcher, astronomer, and nature lover.
My Passion
I’m passionate about exploring the universe—not just scientifically,
but also in a deeper, more existential way. I love trying to understand
not only the cosmos but also the meaningful connections between science,
life, and our place in it all. For me research isn’t just about discovering new things — it’s a journey
toward truth, understanding, and meaningful connections.
Beyond Science
I really enjoy connecting with people and spending
quality time together. I love physical activities and enjoy everything from yoga, pilates,
and group strength training to team sports, hiking, and fun water activities.
I also have a creative side—cooking, Persian calligraphy, painting, and crafting
are some of my favorite ways to spend my leisure time.
Fun Fact
It took me a while to get into reading more books, but about
five years ago, I finally fell in love with them!
Location: Kölner Grüngürtel, Germany
Location: Lake District, UK
So welcome to my little corner of the internet!
Here, you’ll mostly find my scientific work, but there’s a lot more
to me than just that—and I’m really happy you’re here to get to know me a bit better.
Research
My research experience spans three main phases: my current postdoctoral work, Ph.D. research, and
Master's studies. While each stage focuses on a different aspect of star formation and galaxy evolution,
they all contribute to a broader understanding of how stars form and evolve in low-metallicity environments.
All of these projects are ongoing and continue to shape my scientific journey.
You can find a full list of my publications in my
ADS Library.
1. Current Research
Building on the findings from my Ph.D. research, I’m now leading new projects and collaborating with other researchers
to explore how metallicity and environmental conditions influence star formation and its chemical signatures
on a broader scale.
1.1 Complex Chemistry in Low-Metallicity Environments
As part of a collaborative effort, I’m currently involved in a project focused on identifying more hot molecular cores
in the Magellanic Clouds. We're working on measuring metallicity in their local environments and,
where possible, comparing gas-phase and dust-grain surface abundances. The aim is to expand the statistical sample
of these objects and explore their chemical composition—ultimately deepening our understanding of how complex chemistry
unfolds under low-metallicity conditions.
1.2 Rotating Structures in Dense Cores
I'm investigating kinematic signatures of rotating structures associated with dense cores in the Magellanic Clouds.
This study sheds light on angular momentum transport and disk formation in environments
with reduced dust and metal content.
1.3 Molecular Clouds in the Leading Arm
I'm currently leading a search to detect and characterize molecular clouds in the Leading Arm
of the Magellanic System—an extremely low-metallicity and dynamically disturbed region.
This offers a unique window into early-stage molecular cloud formation under extreme conditions.
2. Ph.D. Research – Early Star Formation in the LMC
My Ph.D. focused on a comprehensive survey of 20 star-forming regions in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
The goal was to understand the early stages of star formation in a low-metallicity galaxy.
.
2.1 Physical Properties of Dense Cores and Clusters
Using ALMA millimeter data, I derived core masses, densities, and spatial distribution to study clustering
and fragmentation in young star-forming regions.
2.2 Chemical Properties of Dense Cores
I analyzed the chemical inventory of dense cores, to understand the molecular richness of the prestellar
cores in the LMC.
2.3 Morphology, Feedback, and Evolution
I studied the morphology of dense gas by identifying filamentary structures within each region.
Feedback signatures—such as molecular outflows and H II regions—were also detected.
By integrating these findings with multi-wavelength observations of the star forming regions and their immediate surroundings,
I proposed an evolutionary sequence for the 20 star-forming regions surveyed.
3. Master’s Research – AGB Stars in Dwarf Galaxies
During my Master’s, I studied the population of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars in Local Group dwarf galaxies
to infer star formation histories and dust contributions from low- to intermediate-mass stars.
3.1 Star Formation History
I used near-infrared photometry and stellar evolution models to reconstruct the star formation history
in galaxies like NGC 147 and NGC 185, focusing on late-type stars.
3.2 Dust Input from AGB Stars
By modeling the spectral energy distributions of AGB stars,
I estimated the dust input from these evolved stars and its contribution to the overall dust budget
of the galaxies.
Presentations
Ph.D. Disputation
March 21, 2025 – University of Cologne
I successfully defended my Ph.D. research at the New Theory Building, Physics Department, University of Cologne.
FLAT Talk
December 6, 2024 – Durham University
I presented part of my Ph.D. project during the Friday Lunch Astronomy Talk (FLAT) at the Department of Physics,
Durham University.
From Clouds to Planets II: The Astrochemical Link
October 3, 2022 – Harnack Haus, Berlin
I gave a contributed talk on my Ph.D. research at the "From Clouds to Planets II" conference held at Harnack Haus in
Berlin.
Science from Space Conference
September 28, 2022 – Bonn
I presented my work in a SLAM talk at the "Science from Space" conference in Bonn.
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