Onic Islam Shuvo
Research Associate · Non-Tenure Track
College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences
He/Him/His/Himself
About
I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Physics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). My research focuses on observational astrophysics, with an emphasis on multiwavelength studies of active galactic nuclei (AGN), relativistic jets, and supermassive black holes. I use radio, optical, and X-ray observations, along with interferometric techniques, to investigate the physical processes governing jet launching, variability, and interactions between central engines and their host galaxies.Prior to joining UMBC, I completed my Ph.D. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics at George Mason University, where I worked on radio and X-ray observations of AGN and their environments in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Observatory. My work has involved high-resolution radio interferometry, time-domain studies of AGN variability, and multi-instrument data analysis. I have contributed to multiple observing proposals for facilities including the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), Very Large Array (VLA), Hubble Space Telescope (HST). I also participate in proposal review panels, including JWST and ALMA cycles. My research has led to several refereed publications and conference presentations in the field of high-energy astrophysics. In addition to research, I have teaching experience as a lecturer and teaching assistant across multiple institutions, and I actively mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research on active galaxies and high-energy astrophysics.
Research interests
My research interests lie in observational astrophysics, particularly the study of active galactic nuclei (AGN), relativistic jets, and supermassive black hole systems. I am interested in understanding the physical mechanisms that drive jet launching, collimation, and variability across multiple wavelengths. A major focus of my work is multiwavelength analysis of AGN using radio interferometry (VLBA, VLA), optical imaging (HST), and X-ray observations (Chandra and other missions). I am particularly interested in time-domain behavior of AGN, including changing-look AGN and transient jet activity, and how these phenomena relate to accretion processes and black hole feedback.I also work on data reduction and calibration techniques for radio interferometric observations and contribute to the development of methods for high-resolution imaging and spectral analysis of compact astrophysical sources.
Teaching interests
My teaching interests include introductory and advanced physics courses, particularly in mechanics, electromagnetism, and astrophysics. I am especially interested in teaching observational and computational astrophysics, including courses on radio astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, and data analysis techniques. I also enjoy teaching laboratory-based and computational courses that emphasize hands-on learning with real data, including interferometric imaging, statistical analysis, and scientific programming in Python. I am interested in developing courses that connect theoretical concepts in physics with modern observational techniques used in astrophysical research.Education
- Ph D, Physics (Astrophysics) — George Mason University (2023)