Dev R Sadaula
(POST DOC RESEARCH ASS)
| Email: | dev.r.sadaula@nasa.gov |
| Org Code: | 662 |
| Address: |
NASA/GSFC Mail Code 662 Greenbelt, MD 20771 |
| Employer: | UMBC Univ. of MD, Baltimore County |
Brief Bio
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, specializing in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). My research investigates the complex interplay between black hole accretion, coronae, and ionized outflows through multi-wavelength time-domain astrophysics, focusing on X-rays. I implement variability-based diagnostics to map the structure and evolution of galactic outflows by using a novel time-dependent photoionization framework our team developed. My work aims to bridge the gap between sub-parsec black hole physics and galactic-scale evolution, quantifying how AGN feedback drives the growth of galaxies and clusters.
Research Interests
Physics of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN)
Astrophysics: X-ray AstrophysicsInvestigating the complex interplay between black hole accretion, coronae, and outflows.
Time-Domain X-ray Spectroscopy
Astrophysics: X-ray AstrophysicsUtilizing multi-wavelength data from XRISM, XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, NICER, and Swift to analyze AGN variability and spectral evolution
Photoionization Modeling
Astrophysics: Theory & ModelingDeveloping and implementing novel time-dependent photoionization frameworks (including upgrades to XSTAR) to perform density diagnostics of warm absorbers (WA) and ultra-fast outflow (UFO)
Next-Generation Missions
Astrophysics: Technology & MissionsEngagement with future X-ray observatories and missions such as HEX-P, AXIS, and STROBE-X to push the boundaries of time-resolved spectroscopy.
Current Projects
Changing-Look AGN
X-ray Astrophysics
Leading multi-wavelength campaigns—specifically on sources like 1ES 1927+654 to understand rapid transitions in accretion states.
Positions/Employment
Postdoctoral Research Associate
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) / University of Maryland Baltimore County - 8800 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20771
September 2022 - Present
Teaching Experience
- Teaching Assistant | Western Michigan University
- Duration: 5+ Years
- Responsibilities: Conducted laboratory sessions and led recitation classes for undergraduate physics/astronomy courses. Graded technical assignments and held office hours to mentor students on complex astrophysical concepts.
- High School Science Teacher | Oxford Boarding School, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Duration: 1+ Years
- Responsibilities: Delivered comprehensive science instruction to high school students, translating complex scientific principles into engaging classroom lessons. Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments to reinforce theoretical concepts and provided dedicated mentorship to prepare students for national science examinations.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics
- Institution: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
- Date: August 2022
- Dissertation: "Time-Dependent Photoionization Modeling of Warm Absorbers in Active Galactic Nuclei"
M.S. in Physics
- Institution: Tribhuvan University, Nepal
- Date: November 2014
- Major: Gravitation and Cosmology