PROFILE

Pranav Mahapatra

Master of Science-Reseach (MS-R) student at IISER Tirupati, currently working on galaxy dynamics in an Astrophysics group. I'm primarily interested in observational analysis, theoretical/computational modeling, and simulations. Apart from that I'm also interested in nuclear and plasma physics.

Pranav Mahapatra

I'm a Master of Science-Reseach (MS-R) student at IISER Tirupati, currently working on galaxy dynamics in an Astrophysics group. I'm primarily focusing on observational analysis, theoretical/computational modeling, and simulations. Apart from that I'm also interested in nuclear and plasma physics.

Projects

My current project focuses on formation and evolution of spiral galaxies. Below are research projects I have worked on. 

Weakly Collisional Galaxy Dynamics and Implications for Dwarf Galaxies

Collisionless dynamics is often used to study galaxies, but completely neglecting collisions is an idealization that can undermine the behavior of perturbations and collective modes. The objective of this project was to develop an understanding of weakly collisional self-gravitating systems and study its implications for dwarf galaxies.

Galaxy Type Classification Using Machine Learning Models

Trained machine learning models such as Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, Support Vector Machines, and a Graph Convolutional Network, to classify galaxies into UDGs, LSBs, HSBs, and dwarfs using data retrieved from the IllustrisTNG simulation. 

Activities

I'm the Co-Founder & Team Lead at Evincism, a science communication medium. Here are a few of the articles I have (co)authored.

Conferences & Workshops

Workshop on Introduction to Astronomy and Astrophysics, IIT Tirupati (2026)

Attended the Workshop on Introduction to Astronomy & Astrophysics 2026, organized by IIT Tirupati, in collaboration with IISER Tirupati & IUCAA.

National Undergraduate Physics Conference, IISER Tirupati (2025)

Attended the National Undergraduate Physics Conference 2025, organized by IISER Tirupati.