Shaunak Modak, Ph.D.

Shaunak joined the Center for Computational Astrophysics (CCA) as a Flatiron Research Fellow in October 2026. He has broad research interests in stellar and galactic dynamics, as well as galaxy formation and evolution. Much of Shaunak’s recent work has focused on developing theoretical models for gravitational interactions between stars and structures in the interstellar medium, spiral arms, and other perturbers that shape the long-term evolution of Milky Way-like galactic disks. Prior to joining the CCA, Shaunak earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton University in 2026, where he was advised by Professors Eve Ostriker, Scott Tremaine, and Chris Hamilton.