My name is Deval Mehta. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics and a minor in Astronomy from the University of Delaware in 2016.  I am currently a candidate for a Master of Arts in Physics at Stony Brook University and plan to enter the workforce after defending my thesis this August.  My primary research interests are the development of numerical methods for problems in high-energy astrophysics and cosmology, as well as the development of statistical tools for large scale cosmological surveys.

As an undergraduate, I conducted research as part of the Massive Star Group at the University of Delaware under Dr. Stanley Owocki.  Previously, I worked on a project regarding the variability of Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) stars and another project pertaining to the behavior of circum-quasar gas clouds.  I am now working with Dr. Alan Calder at Stony Brook University regarding the statistical significance of observations of the redshift Supernova Type Ia on cosmic acceleration.

I was the Associate Zone Councilor for Zone 3 as well as the Associate Zone Councilor Representative of the Society of Physics Students for the 2015 – 2016 academic year.  I served as the President of the University of Delaware chapter during the 2014 – 2015 academic year and as the Public Relations of Officer for the chapter during the 2013 – 2014 academic year, playing a key role in the revival of UD-SPS’s national involvement.  I continued my record of leadership as one of the two key figures in the establishment of the Physics Graduate Student Association at Stony Brook University in the 2016-2017 academic year, serving first as the inaugural President, then the first Past President.