Astrophysics; Stellar populations and evolution; Open star clusters; Bayesian statistical modeling; Large astronomical surveys; Data‑driven astrophysics; Connections between particle physics methods and astrophysical data analysis
LINZI ZHENG
Chicago,IL
Summary
Physics graduate student with research experience in astrophysics and particle physics, specializing in data-driven analysis of large scientific datasets. Experienced in Bayesian modeling, clustering algorithms, and astronomical survey data, with a strong interest in stellar populations, open star clusters, and statistically rigorous astrophysical research.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Research in Astrophysics
Illinois Institute of Technology
03.2025 - Current
- - Join Dr. Emily Leiner's research group to analyze open star clusters using photometric and kinematic data from Gaia, 2MASS, and Pan-STARRS.
- - Apply HDBSCAN clustering to identify cluster members and assign membership probabilities.
- - Develop a Bayesian modeling pipeline using BASE-9 to estimate stellar masses, ages, and blue straggler populations.
- - Investigate formation pathways of blue straggler stars through statistical analysis of cluster properties.
Research in Particle Physics (ATLAS Collaboration)
Northern Illinois University
08.2022 - 05.2024
- - Conducted research under Dr. Jahred Adelman on jet flavor dependence in diphoton + jets events at the LHC.
- - Analyzed collider data using Python and Jupyter notebooks, producing distributions and ratio plots of key observables.
- - Studied background processes relevant to Higgs boson pair production.
- - Presented research progress and results in group meetings and formal presentations.
ATLAS SUPER Program Participant
06.2023 - 08.2023
- - Completed an intensive eight-week summer research program focused on ATLAS data analysis.
- - Collaborated with students from multiple institutions on particle physics research.
- - Delivered a final presentation on studies of jet flavor dependence in diphoton + jets events.
Education
Master of Science - Physics
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Professional Physics
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA05.2022
Skills
- Programming & Data Analysis: Python, Mathematica, MATLAB, basic C
- Astronomy & Data Tools: BASE-9, AstroImageJ, Nebulosity
- General: Jupyter notebooks, scientific visualization, statistical analysis
Interests
TEACHING, OUTREACH & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Chaperone, U.S. Space & Rocket Center (Space Camp) Jul 2024 – Aug 2024 - Mentored students through hands-on activities in space science and aerospace engineering. - Guided teamwork-based problem solving and supported STEM engagement in an immersive learning environment.
- Volunteer, NIU STEMFest Oct 2022 - Assisted with physics outreach by demonstrating and explaining fundamental physical phenomena to the public.
- Member, Physics and Astronomy Club Pennsylvania State University | Sep 2019 – Dec 2021 - Participated in observational and data-analysis activities related to planetary and stellar systems.
Timeline
Research in Astrophysics
Illinois Institute of Technology
03.2025 - Current
ATLAS SUPER Program Participant
06.2023 - 08.2023
Research in Particle Physics (ATLAS Collaboration)
Northern Illinois University
08.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Professional Physics
Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science - Astronomy & Astrophysics
Pennsylvania State University
Master of Science - Physics
Illinois Institute of Technology