Reshma Anna-Thomas

Dr. Reshma Anna Thomas obtained her Ph.D. degree in physics at West Virginia University in 2024 in the area of astronomy and astrophysics. Dr. Thomas was a member of Prof. Sarah Burke-Spolaor's research group. Her research interests are radio transients, fast radio bursts (FRBs), polarimetry, and interferometry. As a student, Dr. Thomas worked with the Realfast collaboration to search for FRBs using the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT).

Prior to pursuing her doctoral degree at WVU, Dr. Thomas earned her Bachelor's of Science in Physics and Master's of Science in Physics at Pondicherry University in India. Now, she works as a postdoctoral resaercher at ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy). There, Dr. Thomas works on detecting fast radio transients at low-frequencies. 

Q&A with Reshma

• What are your favorite things about the department?
• I appreciate the diversity and inclusivity within the department.
• What do you think is the most interesting thing about your research?
• It is thrilling to think that my research at WVU aims to uncover the origins of energetic events in the Universe that disappear in the blink of an eye.
• Why did you want to pursue physics?
• My curiosity about how everything works—from LED lights to the orbits of planets around the sun—led me to pursue physics.
• Why did you choose West Virginia University?
• West Virginia University was the perfect choice for me because of my interest in radio transients, and the Department of Physics and Astronomy has numerous experts in this field. 
• How have your professors and/or staff helped you be successful?
• I owe my Ph.D. success to my professors and the department staff. The support from my supervisors and the administrative staff, both academically and non-academically, have made my life in Morgantown much easier.
• What advice would you give to an incoming student?
• Don't forget to take care of yourself!