Rishank Diwan

Originally from India, I completed my Integrated B.Sc.–M.Sc. in Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur before beginning my research career in Hong Kong as a Research Assistant at the Laboratory for Space Research, The University of Hong Kong. Working on CubeSat mission design, high-energy astrophysics, and data-driven space science gave me the opportunity to collaborate internationally and contribute to projects ranging from MeV detector development to lunar exploration.

I later moved to California, USA, to pursue my Ph.D. in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Santa Cruz Institute for Particle Physics (SCIPP) at the University of California, Santa Cruz. My current work centers on high-energy astrophysics, where I study pulsars and their emission mechanisms using data from HAWC, Fermi-LAT, and multiple X-ray observatories. Alongside scientific research, I’m deeply interested in the future of space exploration, particularly topics involving space policy and international space law.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing instruments like the keyboard and guitar, spending time in the water through various sports, and participating in science outreach efforts. I value exploration in all forms—whether it’s diving into a new research challenge, discovering a new hobby, or connecting with people across different cultures and perspectives.