Shangjia Zhang spends his time tackling the big question: How did we get here?
As a researcher in physics and astronomy, he explores how our solar system was formed and how planetary systems were formed in general.
But unlike many graduate students, he doesn’t also have to wonder how he’ll find the time, the focus, and the funding to support that research. Zhang is the first UNLV student to receive the NASA Future Investigators in Earth and Space Science Technology (FINESST) grant. The NASA FINESST acceptance rate is around 5-10%, and it is one of few awards that doesn’t require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. This was important for Zhang, who is an international student from China.
The three-year award covers Zhang’s tuition and stipend, which will allow him to focus solely on research. It has also given him access to millions of NASA computational supercomputer hours.
Zhang is also the first student from the physics and astronomy department to receive UNLV’s Barrick Graduate Fellowship. “These awards not only boost my confidence, but also enhance my competitiveness when seeking academic jobs by showcasing my ability to secure funding,” says Zhang.
Tell us about your research.
To understand the formation of our solar system, as well as planetary systems in general, we need to observe and model protoplanetary disks. These are cradles for young planets. Discovering nascent planets, which are just coming into existence, within these disks is also challenging unless we grasp the underlying physics.
I use state-of-the-art fluid dynamic codes to model state-of-the-art observational data to enhance our understanding of planet formation. I treat astrophysical gas as a fluid and incorporate dust particles to study the kinematic [motion of objects] and morphological [form or structure] aspects of protoplanetary disk structures. Recently, my focus has been on incorporating radiation to model the self-consistent thermal structure of the disk.
Why should the average person care about your research?
Firstly, astronomy is inherently captivating and serves as a gateway to the natural sciences. Its beauty and wonder can spark the curiosity and interest of individuals of all ages, including children.
Moreover, it delves into profound scientific and philosophical questions that intrigue us all, such as "How did we get here?" and "Are we alone in the universe?"
My specific area of research focuses on understanding whether our solar system is unique or not. This question is intertwined with the origins of life, particularly how organic molecules may have been delivered to our solar system and Earth, and ultimately, whether our existence is extraordinary.
The research in our field encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including astronomy, planetary science, computation, physics, material science, chemistry, geoscience, and even biology. Therefore, it aligns with the diverse interests and questions that people might naturally have.
What inspired you to get into your field?
It all began when I took an elective course in middle school that introduced me to the wonders of astronomy. I developed a deep fascination for observing the night sky. As I continued to explore this interest, I participated in national and international Astronomy Olympiads, where I met like-minded individuals who shared my enthusiasm.
In college, I realized that, while I loved observing celestial objects, I hadn't delved into the science behind them. What truly captivated me about this field were the fascinating images it offers. Astronomy provides a wealth of stunning visuals. Additionally, I love working with numerical simulations since I could play with it and understand all the inner workings, rather than just a single picture.
Lastly, I was drawn to the idea that astronomy has a profound connection with the general public.
What brought you to UNLV for your Ph.D. program?
My undergraduate advisor wholeheartedly recommended that I work with [UNLV professor] Zhaohuan Zhu. Dr. Zhu is not only a highly regarded Ph.D. graduate of my undergraduate advisor but is also known for being an exceptional individual. A senior faculty member, who is well-acquainted with Dr. Zhu shared with me, "He is always happy."
When choosing a Ph.D. program, it's crucial to ensure that you genuinely enjoy the research you'll be undertaking, as it can be challenging. Positivity and a passion for your work are key to overcoming the inevitable difficulties that arise during your academic journey.
Moreover, Dr. Zhu offered me an exciting opportunity to participate in a collaboration with world-renowned experts in the field.
What excites you about the research you are doing?
It is in an emerging field that's currently experiencing a golden age. With the advent of advanced instruments — like Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), giant telescopes with adaptive optics systems, and space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope — we can now study protoplanetary disks in intricate detail, which was previously challenging due to their relatively small size compared to other astrophysical objects like galaxies. The use of ALMA radio interferometry has allowed us to gain a wealth of observational data, making computationally intensive modeling both fascinating and essential.
Furthermore, the continuous increase in computing power through chips and parallel computing, following Moore's law, enables us to conduct numerical experiments in ways that were inconceivable just decades ago. This dynamic combination of cutting-edge observations and computational capabilities is what truly excites me.
What has working with your faculty mentor taught you about mentoring other students?
It is hard to describe just what makes a good advisor, but you will know it for sure if you are lucky to have one. What I have learned from Zhaohuan is that being available for your students, listening to their concerns, and offering guidance can help them flourish and reach their full potential. In essence, I aim to pass along the qualities and support that Zhaohuan has provided to me, as I believe this is the cornerstone of effective mentorship.
What highlights from your academic career are you most proud of?
My participation in the DSHARP [Disk Substructures at High Angular Resolution Project at ALMA]. This program allowed us to observe 20 protoplanetary disks in unprecedented high resolution, resulting in a series of papers that have garnered approximately 500 citations each year. I would acknowledge my advisor’s academic connections in this success, but I am still proud of the contributions I made at the right time.
As I've continued to work in the field, I've developed a greater sense of independence. I take pride in my current research, which involves 3D self-consistent radiation hydro simulations on planet-disk interactions. This pioneering work has not been done before and has the potential to significantly impact the field.
For my Ph.D., I've taken classes from five different departments, including physics and astronomy, geoscience, math, mechanical engineering, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach broadened my horizon and allowed me to gain a diverse set of skills and knowledge. Particularly, a class project from a computer science course taught by [computer science professor] Mingon Kang, which ultimately led to the publication of a journal paper.
What has receiving the Barrick Graduate Fellowship meant for your ability to continue your education?
The Barrick Graduate Fellowship covers a year of tuition and provides a stipend so I can focus wholeheartedly on my research. In addition to the FINESST grant, these awards allow me to dedicate four years to my research.
It's noteworthy that I was the first in our department to receive the Barrick Graduate Fellowship. This has not only benefited me but has also showcased the talent and potential of students within our department who may have previously gone unnoticed. This recognition can encourage other deserving students to aim for similar opportunities. In fact, another student got an even more prestigious President's UNLV Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship from the Graduate College in 2022.
