Arshia Akhtarkavan

Undergraduate Student in Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics at the University of Arizona.

About

Hello! I’m Arshia Akhtarkavan, and this is my personal website. I will be adding more about my research interests as time goes on. This website is still in development, so stay tuned!

I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. I’ve always been interested in applying mathematical and physical ideas in order to understand the world, so I am triple majoring in Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.

My astrophysics research focuses on high-redshift galaxies using JWST/NIRCam, where I am currently working on modeling galaxy kinematics. I have also worked on data reduction and processing, transient science, etc. In the near future, I would like to investigate active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and high-redshift galaxy evolution, alongside other interesting areas of astronomy and astrophysics!

I'm currently doing research on galaxy kinematics at Steward Observatory, and spent this past summer at Yale studying RR Lyrae stars in the Draco dwarf galaxy. For a quick rundown of my research and work experience, check out my Experience page - or see the full CV for publications, talks, and awards.

In mathematical physics, I am currently working on the Nahm equations, where my focus is trying to construct higher-rank solutions using concepts from representation theory and theoretical physics. For this work, I have programmed the islands website, whose link can be found here. In the future, I plan to study quantum field theory, with particular interest in non-Abelian gauge theory and Yang-Mills theory.

Education

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Science in Physics, Mathematics (Comprehensive Emphasis), & Astronomy (Expected Spring 2027)

Atomic Energy High School, Tehran, Iran
High School Diploma (Spring 2023)
Completed via SABA International School, Frankfurt, Germany

Awards & Scholarships

  • Dorrit Hoffleit Research Scholarship, Yale University (2026)
  • William F. Lucas Astronomy Scholarship, Steward Observatory (2026)
  • College of Science Galileo Circle Scholar (Mathematics), University of Arizona (2026)
  • College of Science Galileo Circle Scholar (Physics), University of Arizona (2026)
  • Weaver Award for Undergraduate Research (2026)
  • Kenneth S. Krane Physics Scholarship (2025)
  • Evelyn O. Bychinsky Promising Astronomer Award (2025)
  • RII-Sponsored Campuswide Undergraduate Student-Initiated Original Research (2025)
  • Glenn C. Purviance Scholarship in Physics (2023)
  • Academic Year Highest Academic Distinction (2023 - Present)
  • Dean's List with Distinction - Full Time (2023 - Present)
  • Global Wildcat Tuition Award, University of Arizona (2023)
  • Silver Medal, National Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad (2022)