Ayanna Mann
New York
Summary
I am a driven first-year doctoral student and innovative research fellow with a strong foundation in computational modeling, quantitative analysis, and technical writing. Proficient in Python and Fortran, I build high-fidelity simulations, develop predictive frameworks, and extract insights from complex data. Detail-oriented and results-driven, I am known for designing robust models and tackling challenges creatively with unconventional solutions that improve forecasting accuracy and support data-driven decisions.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Lamat Research Fellow
University Of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
05.2024 - 10.2025
- Evolved a catalog of massive-star MESA models (25–45 M☉) through core collapse while varying rotation rates (0.5×, 1.5×, 2×), and applied 1D general relativistic hydrodynamics (GR1D) with approximate neutrino transport to study compact object formation, nuclear processing, and neutrino-scattering behavior, generating detailed profiles of density, angular momentum, and composition.
Simons-NSBP Research Fellow
Flatiron Institute, CCA
New York
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Built custom Fortran input files for 1D stellar evolution modeling with MESA, simulating mass loss in Type Ib/IIb supernova progenitors across 400 massive stars, and developed a predictive framework linking initial stellar conditions and wind strength to Yellow Supergiant formation.
NSF Undergraduate Research Fellow
Northwestern University, CIERA
Evanston
05.2022 - 09.2022
- Computationally developed and validated a comprehensive end-to-end throughput model for the ZTF large field array camera by incorporating all major optical and detector elements, and used synthesized data and synthetic photometry experiments to optimize ZTF data products for both photometric and spectroscopic applications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Howard University
Washington, District of Columbia, DC05-2025
Ph.D. - Astronomy
Columbia University
New York (City), NYSkills
- Research methodologies
- Data analysis
- Computational modeling
- Technical writing
- Programming (Python Fortran)
- Quantitative analysis
Timeline
Lamat Research Fellow
University Of California, Santa Cruz
05.2024 - 10.2025
Simons-NSBP Research Fellow
Flatiron Institute, CCA
05.2023 - 05.2024
NSF Undergraduate Research Fellow
Northwestern University, CIERA
05.2022 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Physics
Howard University
Ph.D. - Astronomy
Columbia University