Graduating Student Spotlight: Nikhil Garuda
Nikhil Garuda graduates this spring with his BS in Astronomy
As Nikhil Garuda prepares to graduate with his Bachelor’s of Science in Astronomy, he reflects on highlights from his time at Steward Observatory, including collaborating on research ranging from astronomy education to discovering the first-ever triply imaged Type 1a supernova. Nikhil believes “the astronomical community thrives when knowledge flows freely between generations of researchers.” Read his full interview below.
What brought you to Steward Observatory?
Ever since I can remember, I've been captivated by astronomy. What ultimately drew me to Steward Observatory was their remarkable commitment to student involvement—from the moment you're admitted to the University of Arizona, the faculty actively welcome students into research opportunities and eagerly share their work with newcomers.
Can you describe your research and any especially interesting learning experiences you’ve had during your time here?
I was fortunate to connect with Professor Chris Impey a few months upon my admission to UA. Having previously followed his Coursera lectures, I found it incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with him on astronomy education research that directly involved these same courses. I have also worked a lot on strong gravitational lensing and was part of the team led by Prof. Brenda Frye that discovered the first-ever triply imaged Type 1a supernova.
What's your greatest point of pride from your time at Steward?
During my time at Steward Observatory, my most meaningful accomplishment was helping fellow students connect with research opportunities aligned with their interests. I found deep satisfaction in sharing my knowledge about classes and developing essential skills with my peers.
Can you share piece of wisdom from your time as an astronomy student?
The most fulfilling path in astronomy combines scientific curiosity with community connection. Seek out mentors who inspire you, but also become a mentor yourself. The astronomical community thrives when knowledge flows freely between generations of researchers.
What’s next?
I'll be taking a well-deserved break over the summer to recharge before beginning the next chapter of my academic journey. In Fall 2025, I'm excited to start graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, where I'll continue pursuing my passion for astronomy and astrophysics.
We’re excited to celebrate our graduating students. Stayed tuned for more Spotlight profiles on Steward Observatory graduates, and follow our social media channels for more insight into the lives of our students, staff and faculty.