Sam Ponnada
Hello! I currently work with Professor Philip Kaaret in the Physics and Astronomy Department. Our research group studies the Universe in high energy wavelengths (mostly X-ray and gamma) by both analyzing observations taken by telescopes and developing instruments to do so ourselves. Right now, I am involved with the former, using archived data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory. My current research focuses on studying local counterparts to the early galaxies to determine a relationship between metal content and the production of high mass X-ray binaries to see whether they played a significant role in the reionization of the Universe.
Outside of research, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and engaging in amateur astronomy. I hope to pursue doctoral studies in Astrophysics after graduating from college with the long-term goal of becoming a research scientist.
