Barnali Das

PhD Student • Computational Astrophysics and Cosmology (COMPAC) • Scuola Normale Superiore

Galaxy Formation & Evolution Galaxy Simulations Cosmology

CV (PDF)

Research Overview

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Galaxy Formation and Evolution

My current research involves simulating isolated high-redshift (z>10) galaxies using high-resolution radiation-hydrodynamics simulations to resolve the puzzles posed by recent JWST observations, particularly the unexpected overabundance of UV-bright, compact "Blue Monsters." While analytical models like the Attenuation-Free Model (AFM) suggest stellar radiation pressure drives dusty outflows to make galaxies bluer and brighter, they rely on simplified 1D geometries. Cosmological simulations also fail to match these observed UV brightness levels, likely missing key pre-supernova radiation feedback. By incorporating radiation-hydrodynamics in a 3D setup, my work tests how radiation pressure redistributes dust within a realistic, turbulent, and clumpy interstellar medium. For more on the topic, view recent publications.

Previous Research Experience

For more details on other past projects, please check my CV (PDF).

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Inflationary Cosmology

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Pulsar Astrophysics

Inflationary Cosmology (MS Thesis)

As part of my MS thesis project at IISER Kolkata, I worked with Dr. Koushik Dutta (Department of Physical Sciences, IISER Kolkata) and Dr. H.V. Ragavendra (Raman Research Institute) in Inflationary Cosmology.

Under this project, I wrote Python codes from scratch to calculate background evolution and the primordial power spectrum for single-field inflation potentials. I also explored non-Gaussianities arising during inflation that evolved into present-day cosmic structures. For my Independent Study with Prof. Rajesh Kumble Nayak (IISER Kolkata), I examined the properties of primordial gravitational waves.

🔗 View my Cosmology Python Codes on GitHub

Pulsar Signals & Millisecond Pulsars

As a recipient of the "National Initiative on Undergraduate Science" (NIUS) scholarship, I conducted research with Dr. Bhaswati Bhattacharyya at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) on two fully funded projects:

Pulsar Detection with PRESTO: Used the PRESTO suite to search for pulsar signals in raw data collected by the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).
Millisecond Pulsar Properties: Determined binary periods, orbit eccentricities, and companion mass relations for 200+ millisecond pulsars from the ATNF Pulsar Catalogue.

📄 Project Reports:
• Study of Pulsars Discovered with GMRT High Resolution Southern Sky Survey - I
• Study of Pulsars Discovered with GMRT High Resolution Southern Sky Survey - II

A glimpse of one of the giant parabolic dishes shot during my visit to the GMRT facility.

Publications

For an up-to-date list of publications, preprints, and citation metrics, please visit my author profile on NASA ADS:

View Publications on NASA ADS

Conference Talks

"Clumps in High-z Galaxies: a simulation perspective" at Zoom-in Views of Galaxy Disks Across Cosmic Time: Bridging Simulations and Observations Workshop [Jun 2026]
"Non-Gaussian Imprints in the Cosmic Microwave Background" at Weekly online meeting on cosmology (WOMC), Indian Institute of Technology Madras [Oct 2023]
"Non-Gaussian Imprints in the Cosmic Microwave Background" at Cosmology from Home 2023 conference [Jul 2023]

Teaching, Leadership & Outreach

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant at IISER Kolkata for:

General Theory of Relativity and Cosmology (4th year BS-MS, 60 students)
Waves and Optics (2nd year BS-MS, 200+ students)
Mathematical Methods of Physics (3rd year BS-MS, 80 students)

Leadership Experience

Part of the logistics team for the 32nd meeting of the Indian Association for General Relativity and Gravitation (IAGRG), hosting 325 participants.
Organized the Utkal Divas 2021 event at IISER Kolkata for a 300+ audience.
Organizing team member for the Ekpehal Anniversary 2020 event at IISER Kolkata for 350+ spectators.

With fellow volunteers at IAGRG

Science Outreach

Founder of Vigyana Parichaya and its YouTube Channel, bridging the language gap in scientific communication through blogs and videos in Odia and English.
Volunteer at Ek Pehal, assisting underprivileged children with education and basic amenities.

International & Professional Associations

Member of the Cosmology and Astronomy Researchers of Indian Nationality And Sisters (CARINAS) network empowering early-career women researchers through mentorship and networking.

Member of the Supernova Foundation, a mentoring network for women in physics.

About Me

I was born and brought up in Odisha, India. I completed my BS-MS Dual Degree in Physics from the Department of Physical Sciences at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata.

Besides academics, I am trained in Odissi (Indian classical dance) and Indian classical music (Hindustani). I love painting, especially portraits. My hobbies keep on evolving constantly and I keep on trying new things every now and then. Making 3D videos is another such hobby. I love travelling to new places and getting to know their culture.

Contact

Personal e-mail: mimi.barnali.00 [at] gmail.com

Institutional e-mail: barnali.das [at] sns.it