Dr. Nitesh Kumar

Assistant Professor Candidate (Physics)

Presentation for Hindu College, University of Delhi

Topic: Ongoing Teaching & Research Work and Vision for the Next 5 Years

Academic Background & DU Roots

  • ➤
    Ph.D. in Astronomy & Astrophysics – University of Delhi (2025)
    Thesis: Automated Analysis of Stellar Photometric and Spectroscopic Data
  • ➤
    M.Sc. Physics – Hansraj College, University of Delhi (2018)
  • ➤
    B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics – Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi (2015, 80.02%)
  • ✓
    10+ years of academic association with DU as student, mentor, and collaborator.
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Teaching & NEP 2020 Experience

Core Teaching

  • Assistant Professor at UPES, Dehradun (2024–Present)
  • Taught diverse UG/PG courses: Classical Mechanics, Astronomy, Quantum Mechanics
  • Developed computational physics modules using Python, C++, Fortran, LaTeX, Gnuplot

NEP 2020 Framework

  • Contributed to curriculum design at UPES under NEP 2020
  • Well-acquainted with NEP mandates and internship components
  • Ready to actively support research-based internship mentorship under the 4-year UG structure

Mentoring & Student Engagement

Dissertation & Internship Mentorship

  • ★Mentored UG/PG dissertations (DU & UPES)
  • ★Projects: RR Lyrae modeling, Cepheid light curves, Exoplanet detection (TESS)
  • ★Miranda House Summer Program (DU Interns)

Workshops & Initiatives

  • ★Organized "Stars & Stats" Workshop (2025)
  • ★Setting up campus observatory at UPES for hands-on student training
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Research Profile & Publications

Research Areas

RR Lyrae variables, Red Giant spectroscopy, and Machine Learning applications in astrophysics.

Technical Toolkit

Artificial Neural Networks, Full-spectrum fitting, ML interpolation of pulsation models.

Professional Service

Reviewer: The Astronomical Journal (AAS)

Developer: ann-interpolator.web.app

Recent Publications

  • •MNRAS (2023, 2024)
  • •Universe (2025)
  • •New Astronomy (2025)

Highlights from Ph.D. Thesis

"Automated Analysis of Stellar Photometric and Spectroscopic Astronomical Data"

ANN Interpolators & Pulsation Modeling

Developed neural-network based models to derive physical parameters of RRab stars from light curves, creating synthetic models using grid-based pulsation techniques.

Full-Spectrum Fitting & Automation

Applied advanced fitting for spectroscopic analysis of red giants in globular clusters, emphasizing scalable, automated approaches for large datasets.

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Current Research & Recognition

Active Collaborations & Talks

  • Collaborating with IUCAA and DU faculty
  • Integrating research with teaching at UPES
  • Invited talks at Govt. Degree Colleges & Dolphin PG Institute

Grant Proposals & Workshops

  • ANRF-sponsored workshop organizer (Hansraj College, 2025)
  • Planning/secured proposals under ANRF ARG and SERB MATRICS schemes

Vision for Hindu College (Next 5 Years)

  • ➢Foster a research-integrated UG curriculum (NEP 2020).
  • ➢Set up an Astronomy & Astrophysics Lab for student projects.
  • ➢Support NEP internships via astronomical data projects.
  • ➢Apply for competitive grants (ANRF, SERB) with students.
  • ➢Host national-level outreach and astronomy workshops.
  • ➢Design interdisciplinary research-based physics modules.
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Closing & Commitment

A unique blend of strong grounding in the DU ecosystem, proven research productivity, curriculum design experience under NEP 2020, and a deep commitment to inclusive mentorship.

Passionate about contributing to Hindu College's legacy of academic and research excellence.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Show/Hide 6-Minute Presentation Script

(Start) Good morning respected members of the committee. My name is Dr. Nitesh Kumar, and I am currently serving as Assistant Professor at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun.

I have a long-standing connection with the University of Delhi, having completed my B.Sc. from Deshbandhu College, M.Sc. from Hansraj College, and Ph.D. from the Department of Physics and Astrophysics. My academic identity is rooted in DU, and I’ve been involved in research, teaching, and mentorship within its ecosystem for over a decade.

My doctoral thesis, titled Automated Analysis of Stellar Photometric and Spectroscopic Astronomical Data, focuses on deriving stellar parameters from light curves and spectra using machine learning. I developed neural network-based interpolators and applied full-spectrum fitting to red giants in globular clusters. The work is scalable and well-suited for big-data astronomical surveys.

I have published in high-impact journals like MNRAS, Universe, and New Astronomy and also serve as a reviewer for The Astronomical Journal. My research tools include ANN models, interpolation of pulsation models, and custom data pipelines.

At UPES, I teach computational and core physics courses and contributed to NEP-aligned curriculum design. I organized the "Stars & Stats" workshop and am setting up a small observatory for student-led observations and training. I’ve mentored several projects, including exoplanet detection and RR Lyrae light curve modeling.

In 2025, I co-organized an ANRF-sponsored workshop at Hansraj College and am actively engaged in grant proposals under ANRF and SERB schemes.

Looking ahead, my plan at Hindu College includes:

  • Developing a research-integrated UG curriculum,
  • Establishing an Astronomy and Astrophysics lab,
  • Mentoring NEP internships in data-intensive astrophysics using my DU collaborations,
  • Applying for research funding to support student research, and
  • Promoting Hindu College as a national hub for physics outreach and undergraduate research.

I bring with me a deep familiarity with NEP 2020 and the curriculum design process. I’m confident in supporting Hindu College’s role in implementing this transformative policy effectively.

(Closing) In closing, I combine strong DU roots with teaching innovation, research productivity, and mentorship. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Hindu College.

Thank you for your time and consideration.