ABOUT

Vaisakh Rajeev

I am a physicist working in observational cosmology and large-scale structure, with research spanning astronomical surveys, cosmological simulations, galaxy–halo modelling, and time-domain astronomy.

I recently completed my Ph.D. in Physics at Southern Methodist University, where I worked with Dr. Robert Kehoe on measurements of cosmic expansion using quasars, galaxies, and local supernovae.

Research experience

Southern Methodist University

Ph.D. in Physics
2020–2026

Advisor: Dr. Robert Kehoe

Dissertation:

Measuring Cosmic Expansion from Early to Late Times using Quasars, Galaxies, and Local Supernovae

My doctoral research included DESI mock-catalog production and clustering validation, galaxy–halo connection modelling, survey systematics, redshift-failure modelling, and Type Ib/c supernova cosmology.

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad

M.Sc. Physics
2017–2019

M.Sc. thesis:

Tests of Violation of Inverse Square Law on Radio Pulsar Fluxes

Advisor: Dr. Shantanu Desai.

University of Delhi

B.Sc. (Honors) Physics
2014–2017

DESI

I have been involved with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) as a collaborator and support observer.

My DESI work includes mock-catalog production, clustering analyses, observational-systematics studies, and survey operations.

I have contributed more than 1500 hours of DESI service, including observing operations, software maintenance, analysis infrastructure, and systematic-effects studies.

I have also participated in more than 50 remote and in-person observing shifts.

Leadership & service

DESI Early Career Scientists Committee

Co-Chair
2025–present

DESI Professional Development Committee

Early Career Scientist Liaison
2024–present

DESI Early Career Scientists Committee

Member
2024–present

I have also served on organizing committees for scientific meetings, including the Texas APS Conference and the TACOS Cosmology Conference.

Awards & fellowships

Moody Dissertation Fellowship
Southern Methodist University · 2025
$31,500

DESI Early Career Scientist Travel Grants
2022–2025
$7,500

In-Person Observing Travel Grant
Kitt Peak National Observatory · 2024
$1,200

Best Poster Award
SMU Graduate Poster Session · 2024

People’s Choice Award
Three Minute Thesis, SMU · 2022

Charles W. Tittle Staring Line Award
SMU · 2021

JENESYS 2018 Student Exchange Fellowship
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan · 2018

Summer Research Fellowship
Indian Academy of Sciences · 2018

Teaching & mentoring

I have taught and supported undergraduate physics courses at Southern Methodist University, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and introductory physics laboratories.

I have also mentored undergraduate and graduate students working on topics including DESI science, ROTSE photometry, near-infrared astronomy, and observational astronomy.

Scientific computing

My research relies heavily on scientific computing and large-scale data analysis.

Languages & tools

Python · NumPy · SciPy · pandas · Astropy · Matplotlib · Jupyter · Bash · LaTeX

Computing & data

HPC · SLURM · Git/GitHub · FITS · HDF5 · Parquet · large-scale catalog processing · simulation workflows

Methods

Galaxy–halo modelling · HOD · subhalo modelling · clustering statistics · covariance estimation · forward modelling · systematic uncertainty analysis

Talks

I regularly present my work at DESI collaboration meetings, cosmology conferences, and astronomy meetings.

Selected invited talks include:

Galaxy–Halo Connection Modeling: Producing High-Fidelity Lightcones for DESI
DESI Special Session, AAS Winter Meeting · 2026

Galaxy–Halo Connection Modeling: Producing High-Fidelity Lightcones for DESI
TACOS Symposium · 2025

Probing the Expansion of the Universe using DESI
IIT Hyderabad High Energy Physics Remote Seminar Series · 2024

Contact

Email: vvaisakh@smu.edu

GitHub: r-vaisakh

A full curriculum vitae is available from the navigation above.