Outreach, Leadership & Media
I am committed to making astrophysics accessible—especially the story of how we detect and interpret gravitational waves and connect them to what we “see” across the electromagnetic spectrum (radio pulsars, X-ray binaries, and other multi-messenger signals). I enjoy speaking with broad audiences, collaborating with communicators, and building inclusive scientific communities.
At a glance
- Teaching & mentorship: undergraduate physics/astronomy tutoring with consistently excellent feedback
- Student advocacy: elected Student Representative & Council Member, Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA)
- Community-building: organised departmental seminar series (Cardiff University)
- Climate leadership: Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage (Nov 2023)
- Writing: co-author of Women in Physics (with Isobel Romero-Shaw; ISBN-10: 0645041122)
- Affiliations: Royal Astronomical Society • LIGO Scientific Collaboration • OzGrav alumnus • SkAI Associate (Chicago AstroAI)
Leadership, teaching & impact
Teaching & mentorship
I have tutored undergraduate physics and astronomy courses and consistently received highly positive feedback. I care deeply about fostering an engaging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment—especially for students who may be new to research culture or under-represented in STEM.
Student advocacy & academic leadership
During my PhD, I was elected to serve as Student Representative and Council Member of the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA). In this role, I advocated for students’ needs and helped implement initiatives that improved their academic experience. At Cardiff University, I organised seminar series to promote scholarly exchange and strengthen departmental community.
Climate leadership & global perspective
In November 2023, I voyaged to Antarctica as part of Homeward Bound, an international leadership initiative empowering women in STEM to drive action on climate change. This transformative experience strengthened my commitment to advancing science in service of a sustainable and equitable future.
Writing & representation
With astronomer Isobel Romero-Shaw, I co-authored the book Women in Physics (ISBN-10: 0645041122), written to inspire the next generation through relatable role models and to broaden who feels they belong in science.
Professional community roles
I am a member of the Royal Astronomical Society and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, an alumnus of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery (OzGrav), and a SkAI Associate with Chicago AstroAI, reflecting my growing engagement at the interface of astrophysics and artificial intelligence.
Featured media & public communication
Podcast + article
AstroPhiz #126 — Heavy mass binaries & gravitational waves
A broad-audience conversation on compact binaries, why massive systems are exciting GW sources, and what population studies can reveal.
Listen on SoundCloud Read the Space Australia companion piece
Profile feature
Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting — “co-Master, Opening Ceremony”
Recording of my co-hosting the 73rd Lindau Meeting’s opening.
Watch the event
Swinburne University — “Dream come true…”
A short profile on my pathway into astrophysics and research interests.
Read the profile
Talks, events & recordings
KITP Online — StellarBH25 (talk/page)
Open KITP page
LISA Mission — Glorious Women Symposium (March 5–6, 2026, online)
Open symposium page
Video features / talks
Watch on YouTube (1) Watch on YouTube (2) Watch on YouTube (3)
Leadership programs & profiles
Homeward Bound — profile
Open profile
Contact
For invitations, collaborations, or outreach opportunities: debatri.chattopadhyay@northwestern.edu