Reaching for the stars : A summer internship at Osmania University

My name is Raghutheja Bollampally from DP2. I am currently studying Mathematics AA, Physics and Chemistry at HL and ITGS, Telugu A and English at SL. 

Virtually participating in a research internship at the Osmania University, Hyderabad, I was guided by Dr. K. Sriram (Assistant Professor at the Department of Astronomy). My internship involved the collection, reduction and analysis of various stars’ astrophysical data observed from different telescopes. My work started with processing the data of nearly 8000 stars observed by the Kepler Telescope, and then moved to the creation of a research paper that included my analysis of the processed telescope data.

The internship has refined my Mathematical and Analysis skills by allowing me to expand my knowledge in linear and nonlinear regression beyond the scope of my classroom. My virtual internship experience has also allowed me to develop my skills in data processing techniques through the use of technology and software.

As a Physics and Astronomy enthusiast, I have always aimed to student a Bachelor's Degree in Science. This internship has prepared me for any future work in an academic setting by exposing me to a taste of scientific work culture at the university. It has especially strengthened my current knowledge of statistical mathematics and physics, and strongly aligned my interests towards a future career in the STEM field.

I think the one learning I took away from this experience is the importance of organisation and time management. While working on my research and completing my product, I realised that planning every step of the research process and organising all the resources that I require beforehand is the best way to complete my work in an efficient manner. This experience has appropriately exposed me to a research environment causing my work ethic to improve immensely.

Raghuteja Bollampally, Class of 2022