Time Magazine’s prestigious annual list, the 100 Most Influential People, for 2024 showcases individuals from diverse fields worldwide, recognising their global impact. Among the notable Indians featured this year is Priyamvada Natarajan, an esteemed astrophysicist and Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Yale University, Connecticut.
Here’s Glimpse into Priyamvada Natarajan’s Impressive Journey
Beginning her academic pursuits at Delhi Public School in in the national capital, Natarajan went on to earn undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-MIT. She furthered her studies in the History and Philosophy of Science at MIT’s Program in Science, Technology & Society before completing her PhD at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge.
Natarajan’s research delves into the mysteries of supermassive black holes, exploring their formation, growth, and impact on the universe. Utilising simulations and models, she unravels the intricate interactions between black holes and their host galaxies, aiming to unveil the fundamental processes driving black hole evolution.
Recognised for her groundbreaking work, Natarajan has received numerous accolades, including the Liberty Science Center’s Genius Award in 2022 and fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the American Physical Society and the Guggenheim Foundation.
In addition to her scholarly contributions, Natarajan is the author of ‘Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos’, a captivating exploration of scientific concepts shaping our understanding of the cosmos, published in 2016.
