Hi, I'm Niloofar (Neal)!

Ph.D Candidate in Astrophysics

About Me

Photo of Niloofar Sharei

Niloofar (Neal) Sharei

I am a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in physics and astronomy at the University of California, Riverside. I work with Professor Brian Siana and Dr. Alexander de la Vega on the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe, with a focus on star forming clumps in galaxies. Using imaging and spectroscopy from HST and JWST, I study how these clumps contribute to galaxy growth and how their properties change across cosmic time.

I am passionate about teaching and science communication, and I enjoy helping students build their first connections with astronomy.

Outside of research, I love hiking, classical and jazz music, and reading world literature.

Education

Ph.D. in Physics & Astronomy

2022 – Present

University of California, Riverside

Research focus on evolution and structures of giant star-forming clumps and their role in galaxy evolution.

M.Sc. in Theoretical Physics

Alzahra University, Tehran

Stellar cluster photometry using archival HST data; CMD construction.

B.Sc. in Engineering

Sharif University of Technology, Tehran

Click here to view my complete CV

Research

Origin and fate of giant star-forming Clumps.

Star forming clumps in galaxies (0.5 ≤ z ≤ 3)

Clumps figure 1

In my first project I studied how star forming clumps contribute to galaxy growth, and how inferred clump ages and dust attenuation depend on SED fitting assumptions. Using HST data, I revisited clumps age gradinets with comparison to to the diffuse host galaxy component to test for radial trends and constraints on clump formation and survival.

  • Status: Manuscript in preparation

Teaching

I have been a Teaching Assistant at UCR since Winter 2023, leading laboratory and discussion sections for introductory physics courses taken by engineering, life science, and pre-medical students. My teaching spans classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and general physics discussion courses.

  • Classical Mechanics Laboratory (PHYS 02LA)
    Taught in Spring 2023, Spring 2024, and Spring 2025. Covered kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, momentum, and experimental data analysis.
  • Electromagnetism Laboratory (PHYS 02LB / 02LC)
    Taught in Winter 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Fall 2024, and Winter 2025. Topics included electric fields, circuits, magnetic fields, induction, and error propagation.
  • Thermodynamics Laboratory (PHYS 02LB)
    Taught in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024. Experiments on heat, temperature, thermal expansion, and energy transfer.
  • General Physics Discussion Sections (PHYS 40A / 40C)
    Led problem solving sessions in classical mechanics and electromagnetism for science/engineering majors.

Outreach & Science Communication

Writing, outreach, and astronomy education.

Science Communication

I love working on science communication and making astronomy research accessible to a broader audience. You can find my writing and editing at Astrobites, and I have also been a guest writer for Staryab.

Outreach Leadership

I founded and lead AURORA the Astronomy Union for Reading, Outreach, and Research Activities at UCR. Through this group, we build a supportive community focused on collaboration, shared learning, and public engagement in astronomy.

Science Outreach

I helped organize and faciliate Telescope nights and astronomy activities for kids and general public in Riverside County.

Outreach in Action

Astronomy outreach event
Telescope Viewing, UCR
Public astronomy activity, Oak Glen
Public astronomy activity, Lake Skinner

Publications

Selected papers and preprints.

Improving SED-Fitting Assumptions Reveals Clump Age Gradients that Depend on Host Galaxy Mass

Sharei, N., de la Vega, A., Siana, B., et al.
In preparation

The Fraction of Clumpy Galaxies in JWST Surveys over 2 < z < 12

de la Vega, A., et al. (including N. Sharei) (2025)
arXiv:2508.14972  |  PDF

SN 2023ixf in Messier 101: Photo-ionization of Dense, Close-in Circumstellar Material in a Nearby Type II Supernova

Jacobson-Galán, W. V., Dessart, L., Margutti, R., et al. (including N. Sharei) (2023)
The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 954(2), L42
DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/acf2ec

Voices from the classroom

Some student feedback from laboratory and discussion sections

Neal consistently created a welcoming and encouraging learning environment. She was incredibly patient, flexible, and always willing to help, which made it easy to ask questions and seek support.

🎓

Student

Physics 2LB

At the beginning of every lab, she clearly explained the equations and concepts and wrote them on the board so we could reference them throughout the session. Her explanations made a big difference in understanding the material.

🧪

Student

Physics 2LC

The lab material was more advanced than lecture, but by the end of the session I understood everything because of her teaching. She was a huge help.

🌟

Student

Physics 2LB

She knows the material extremely well and guides students to the answer without simply giving it away. With any other TA, the lab would not have gone as smoothly.

👩🏻‍🎓

Student

Physics 2LA

Very approachable and patient. She explained concepts carefully and encouraged us to think through problems ourselves, which helped me understand future problems on my own.

📚

Student

Physics 40C Discussion

One of the best TAs I’ve had. She is always available, supportive, and genuinely cares about students’ success.

📚

Student

Physics 40A Discussion

Contact

Feel free to reach out with questions or for potential collaborations.

Email: nshar042@ucr.edu

Affiliation: University of California, Riverside