In the Spotlight: Dimple

Meet Dimple, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. She specialise in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) — brief yet extraordinarily powerful cosmic explosions that can outshine the entire Universe for a few seconds.  

Dimple's research focuses on uncovering the progenitors of these events, drawing on multi-wavelength observations and advanced machine-learning techniques to interpret their earliest moments. She is particularly interested in how GRBs, kilonovae, and other fast transients trace the life cycles of compact objects and the origins of the heaviest elements in the cosmos.  

Tell us a little about your work.  

My LSST:UK work centres on exploiting the survey’s deep, wide, and rapid cadence to uncover faint and fast-evolving transients such as kilonovae and orphan afterglows of gamma-ray bursts. These phenomena provide critical insight into r-process nucleosynthesis, the outcomes of compact object mergers.  

By preparing strategies to identify and characterise such events within the LSST data stream, we aim to contribute to ensuring that the UK community is well prepared to make the most of LSST’s potential for multi-messenger astrophysics.

Why did you decide to focus on transients? 

I am motivated by the opportunity to use astronomical observations to address some of the most fundamental questions in physics: how the heaviest elements in the Universe are forged, how compact objects interact and evolve, and how cosmic explosions trace the life cycles of stars and galaxies. The possibility that each new transient may reveal something entirely unexpected is a continual source of inspiration. It is this blend of rigorous scientific inquiry and the sense of discovery – of pushing at the boundaries of the unknown – that drives my work. 

How did you get into astronomy? 

My fascination with astronomy began in childhood, inspired by watching my grandmother estimate time and identify constellations in the night sky. This early fascination with celestial patterns guided my academic path into astrophysics. My formal journey in observational astronomy began with my PhD at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), where I gained hands-on experience with telescopes and data analysis. It was during this time that I developed a particular interest in hunting and characterising gamma-ray bursts. Large-scale time-domain surveys, such as the Rubin LSST, now offer the opportunity to systematically explore transient phenomena across the sky. 

What's the best thing you've learned while working in the LSST:UK team? 

The value of collaboration. Tackling the scale and complexity of LSST data requires close coordination between observers, theorists, and data scientists, reinforcing that modern astronomy is fundamentally a collective endeavour. 

What excites you most about the Rubin LSST? 

Its unprecedented capacity to transform time-domain astronomy. The survey’s combination of depth, cadence, and sky coverage will enable systematic exploration of the transient and variable Universe, from rare explosive events to the long-term evolution of galaxies. LSST will provide a data set of unparalleled scale and quality, allowing us to address fundamental questions in astrophysics while also opening the door to discoveries of entirely new phenomena. 

Tell us a cool fact related to your work. 

One striking fact from my area of work is that a single kilonova – the merger of two neutron stars – can forge more gold and platinum in a few seconds than has ever been mined on Earth. These rare cosmic events are factories of the heaviest elements in the periodic table, and their fleeting light carries the signature of the origins of matter itself. 

What’s the best thing about working in astrophysics? 

The fact that every gamma ray burst is unique. Studying each event offers new insights into the extreme physics of the Universe, and no two bursts are ever exactly the same – making every discovery both challenging and exciting. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I enjoy dancing, which serves as a stress buster and a way to cultivate discipline and creativity. I also like trekking, playing badminton, volunteering, and engaging with the public through outreach activities. 

If you couldn’t be a researcher, is there another career you’d consider? 

Public outreach: I would be drawn to a role that allows me to contribute to my community, using science and education to inspire curiosity, empower young people, and create opportunities for those with limited access to STEM resources. 

Finally, what would you say to those who aspire to follow a similar career pathway?  

Stay curious and persistent. The Universe is full of surprises, and research often involves tackling problems that don’t have immediate solutions. Embrace challenges, cultivate patience, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore unconventional paths.