

Meet the Glorious Women of Astronomy
In this week's feature of Glorious Women, we have Dr. Kanchan Soni, a postdoctoral researcher at Syracuse University and an ex-doctoral student at IUCAA, Pune. Read about her childhood interest in astrophysics and her research journey in gravitational waves.
Interview conducted by Parita Mehta, doctoral researcher at Warsaw Astronomical Observatory in Poland.
What drove you to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, can you briefly tell us about your career trajectory?
My interest in astrophysics began during school when I came across a chapter on the life cycle of stars in an encyclopedia. I was amazed by how stars can end in dramatic explosions and form black holes, some of the most compact objects in the universe. This fascination grew as I continued my studies, especially during my time at IISER Trivandrum, where I helped build a low-cost radio telescope with my peers. I also spent time in summer school doing research on galaxy lensing and cosmology at ARIES and IISER, which further fueled my passion. Later, while studying radio shocks at NCRA, my focus shifted towards computational astrophysics, particularly in timing analysis, which eventually led me to pursue a Ph.D. in gravitational waves astrophysics.
Could you tell us about your Ph.D. journey?
My Ph.D. journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I was fortunate to be preselected for the Ph.D. program at lUCAA towards the end of my master's. With a growing interest in computational astrophysics, I decided to delve into the study of gravitational waves. I had the privilege of working closely with one of the leading research groups in India and became a member of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration during the early stages of my Ph.D. This experience, along with the guidance I received, helped me gain a deeper understanding of my research field, which focuses on searching for gravitational waves from compact binary mergers. Throughout my Ph.D., I also had the opportunity to present my findings at international conferences and engage with the global scientific community.
How will you explain your research to a high school graduate?
Imagine you are standing by a calm lake, and you toss a stone into the water. As
expected, the stone creates ripples that spread out across the surface. The size of the
stone and the force with which you toss it into the water determine the amplitude of these
waves. Naively, we can say that these ripples carry information about the stone. For
instance, how heavy it is and how fast it hits the water. Now, if we picture the lake as our
Universe, which is largely empty, any catastrophic event, like the merger of black holes or
neutron stars—objects millions of times heavier than the Sun—would create similar
ripples, but in the fabric spacetime itself. These ripples are known as gravitational waves.
These waves were first predicted by Albert Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity.
My research focuses on detecting gravitational waves generated by the mergers of
compact objects like black holes and neutron stars and studying them to understand their
origins and gain deeper insights into our universe. Although it may sound straightforward,
detecting these waves is incredibly challenging. We use detectors called the Laser
Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) to capture these signals. However,
having the most sensitive detectors alone is not enough. We also need highly optimized
and sophisticated algorithms to identify these faint signals hidden within noisy data. My
research is dedicated to developing new and efficient algorithms to extract these signals
from the noise produced by the detectors.
What are the current challenges that you face as an early career researcher?
As a recent Ph.D. graduate, I am navigating the complexities of an early academic career, where the challenge lies in balancing multiple responsibilities. I am tasked with building a strong foundation for my research while exploring new avenues of working in my research field. At the same time, I am guiding and teaching students, seeking collaborative opportunities, and trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which I find thoroughly enjoyable. The demands of these roles can be overwhelming sometimes, but it is also adventurous and fun as it helps in establishing a successful and fulfilling career in academia.
How do you keep yourself motivated with set-backs, uncertainity, and dynamics in the field?
Setbacks are a natural part of cutting-edge research, especially in a field like gravitational wave astrophysics. To keep myself motivated, I often read and listen to lectures on different topics in physics. Science popularization articles and books, particularly, help me see the bigger picture and reignite my passion for science.
Since I am also interested in science communication, I use art as a creative way to blend both art and science. It helps me convey complex ideas more engagingly. I also participate in public outreach and attend workshops and conferences, which keeps me energized and enthusiastic about the growing research field.
As a side interest, I try to stay up-to-date with new technologies and scientific innovations
like artificial intelligence, and I explore ways to integrate them into my work.
What is your take on 'Women in Science', being a woman yourself, was this journey any different for you?
As a woman in science, I believe that the journey comes with its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. Historically, science has been male-dominated, with women’s contributions often overlooked. Although the situation has improved significantly, barriers still exist. Whether due to social or political reasons, women often find themselves needing to prove their worth, regardless of their qualifications or expertise. In a country like India, the work environment can sometimes become hostile or unsafe for women, making it difficult to thrive. Speaking up for ourselves often comes at a cost, and breaking down barriers remains a challenge. This is why it is important to create a safer environment where equal opportunities are available regardless of gender.
According to you what are the pros and cons that come with the academic career?
An academic career is incredibly rewarding as it blends the intellectual and creativity of a person and allows them to express themselves through their work. It not only contributes to the ever-growing field of science and development but also inspires future generations in many ways. The interdisciplinary nature of academia, where ideas from one field can spark innovation in another, fosters a rich environment for collaboration and new opportunities. However, the path can be challenging, as the pressure to publish often overshadows the excitement of scientific discovery. Balancing research, teaching, and administrative duties can lead to long hours and a tricky work-life balance, so it is important to manage these demands thoughtfully.
Apart from research what hobbies do you share?
Apart from research, I have a keen interest in art, particularly in using artworks to communicate scientific concepts. In my spare time, I also enjoy reading and singing.