Rohan Gadiyar Varadaraj

MMathPhys Mathematics and Physics, 2021

What is your current job or area of study? Please give a brief description of what this entails.

I am a PhD student in Astrophysics at the University of Oxford, currently applying for postdoctoral positions. I use sensitive imaging of the sky from cutting-edge ground-based and space-based telescopes (HSC, VISTA, JWST, Euclid) to study extremely bright galaxies over 13 billion light years away - to see them as they were 13 billion years ago, in the infancy of the Universe.

Why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose Warwick?

I wanted to study both Maths and Physics since I thoroughly enjoyed both, and this course meant I got the best of both worlds. I chose Warwick because when I visited on the open day, it felt more homely than anywhere else I visited.

Tell us about your favourite memory of your degree?

I really enjoyed the Distant Universe module in Physics led by Elizabeth Stanway - this course inspired me to embark upon my current PhD. I also had the chance to undertake an Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) research project which helped me decide that research was for me. In the Maths department, I really enjoyed the analysis modules where it was fascinating to continuously build upon tools developed in previous modules and was an entirely different approach to how Physics is taught.

How did you fill your time outside of your studies?

I was involved in the Warwick Irish Society and spent time in cafes and pubs in Leamington Spa.

Tell us about what happened after graduation. How did you get to your current role?

With encouragement from my professors at the time (Matteo Brogi, Elizabeth Stanway, Valery Nakariakov), I applied for PhD positions across the UK. My Distant Universe module particularly helped my understanding of galaxy evolution PhDs, and my research experience with Matteo meant I had interesting science to talk about in interviews.

What’s your proudest achievement so far?

My proudest achievement so far has been publishing two papers during my PhD! It is a lovely feeling knowing that you've contributed to a very niche topic, but with that, you've pushed the boundary of human knowledge and left your mark on the world.

How did your time at Warwick prepare you for life after university? Did you learn any valuable skills? How were you supported?

My professors were very encouraging of continuing into a PhD. I learned a wide range of skills on my joint degree, and whilst I use very little pure maths these days, the analytical skills I gained from studying pure mathematics are useful every day.

What are your top tips for someone considering a degree at Warwick?

Go for it! Warwick is the perfect place to study hard and enjoy life at the same time. Term lengths are long enough to get a lot done but short enough that it doesn't feel like a slog. You will have a good balance here.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you would have had when starting your degree?

Try new things! And don't be afraid to approach people for the first time - they will almost always engage with you warmly.