Shantanu is interested in galaxy clusters and data management. He is also interested in the development of astronomical codes for image-level detrending and astrometric and photometric calibration of DES data. Recently, he as become interested in the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravity.
We asked Shantanu a few more questions — here’s what he had to say:
What is your favorite part about being a scientist?
Thrill of discovering something new first hand and solving challenging problems.
When did you know you wanted to be a scientist?
When I was a kid my uncle sent me some magazine about space, space travel, solar system etc. Also, I was very much influenced by Carl Sagan’s COSMOS TV program.
What motivates / inspires you?
Watching talks on the web and reading papers from world renowned and inspiring scientists such as Richard Feynman, Steve Weinberg, Paul Dirac, Bob Dicke, Ed Purcell, Bruno Rossi, Dennis Sciama, Freeman Dyson, Julian Schwinger, Joe Taylor.
Do you have any hobbies or play any sports?
I like to read about history of astrophysics and history of physics.
Sun observed via neutrinos.
What is your favorite space-related image, and why?
Image of sun in neutrinos
What is your favorite book, movie, and/or TV show?
“First Three Minutes” by Steve Weinberg; “Disturbing the Universe” by Freeman Dyson; “Cracking the Einstein Code Relativity and the birth of Black Hole Physics” by Fulvio Melia ; Carl Sagan’s “COSMOS”
If you weren’t a scientist, what would your dream job be?
Allow me to research on anything I want without worrying about budget or been evaluated by number of papers.
What do you think has been the most exciting advance in science / technology in the last 10 years?
Nanotechnology
Any advice for aspiring scientists?
Work on whatever you find interesting. don’t work on a subject just because you think its trendy or your professors think its a hot subject.