Dr. Somayeh Soomandar Post-Doc at Bishop’s University: Discovery and modeling of exotic close binary systems

Dr. Somayeh Soomandar is an astrophysicist with a strong background in stellar and computational astrophysics. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics and an M.Sc. in Astrophysics from Shahid Bahonar University in Iran, where she focused on the mass composition of cosmic rays. She pursued her doctoral studies at the University of Birjand, where her research centred on eccentric ellipsoidal variables—commonly known as heartbeat stars—and the analysis of eclipsing binary systems observed by the Kepler space telescope. During her Ph.D., Dr. Soomandar took a sabbatical as a visiting scholar at the Institute of Research in Astrophysics and Planetology (IRAP–CNRS) in Toulouse, France. There, she collaborated on the analysis of the pulsating hot subdwarf binary 2M1938+4603, an experience that expanded her exposure to international research and cutting-edge astrophysical techniques. Currently, Dr. Soomandar is a postdoctoral researcher at Bishop’s University in Quebec, where she focuses on the discovery and modelling of exotic close binary systems. She uses tools such as PHOEBE, Wilson-Devinney, and Python-based libraries for light curve analysis and stellar modelling. Her work aims to advance our understanding of stellar evolution, especially in systems involving compact and interacting stars.

Her passion for astrophysics was sparked at a young age by a fascination with the night sky and deepened during her undergraduate studies through a course on stellar evolution and a project on cosmic rays. Her master’s research provided hands-on experience with high-energy astrophysics and data analysis, further strengthening her interest in observational techniques. It was during her doctoral studies, under the mentorship of Dr. Abedi, that Dr. Soomandar’s research direction became fully established. Analyzing Kepler data on heartbeat stars and eclipsing binaries, she became captivated by the depth of information encoded in light curves and how they reveal the inner dynamics of stellar systems. Her time at IRAP–CNRS further cemented her interest in compact binary stars and introduced her to the study of hot subdwarfs, which remains a major focus in her postdoctoral research.

Dr. Soomandar chose Bishop’s University for her postdoctoral work to collaborate with Dr. Lorne Nelson, a leading expert in close binary star systems. His work on white dwarfs and stellar evolution complements her own interests, and the highly collaborative environment at Bishop’s has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects while continuing to refine her skills in light curve analysis and binary modelling using data from missions such as Kepler and TESS. She also incorporates ground-based observations from the Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (OMM) into her research. The peaceful and intellectually rich setting of Sherbrooke has further supported her focused research. Beyond academia, Dr. Soomandar is committed to teaching, outreach, and creating inclusive scientific environments. Several factors have shaped Dr. Soomandar’s focus on eclipsing binaries and compact stellar systems. First, the precision of space-based photometric data offers a wealth of information about stellar interiors, mass transfer, and evolutionary stages—insights she first encountered during her Ph.D. Second, the dynamic interactions in binaries, especially those involving compact objects like hot subdwarfs or white dwarfs, provide a compelling window into critical astrophysical processes, including mass loss, angular momentum evolution, and supernova progenitors. These systems are not only scientifically rich but also vital for understanding stellar and galactic evolution. Mentorship and collaboration have played a pivotal role in her development. Working with researchers like Dr. Charpinet in France and Dr. Nelson in Canada has been instrumental in shaping her research trajectory and deepening her expertise. The combination of theoretical modelling, observational analysis, and the potential for discovery makes this field both intellectually rewarding and professionally fulfilling for her.

Dr. Soomandar’s research contributes to the field of stellar astrophysics through detailed analyses of eclipsing binaries containing exotic components such as hot subdwarfs, white dwarfs, and pre-helium white dwarfs. These systems serve as laboratories for studying mass transfer, angular momentum loss, and late-stage stellar evolution. Using photometric modelling and space-based data, she derives precise physical parameters—such as mass, radius, and orbital characteristics—that feed into evolutionary models and population synthesis studies. Some of the systems she analyzes may even be progenitors of Type Ia supernovae or gravitational wave sources.

Looking ahead, Dr. Soomandar hopes to refine models of close binary evolution and contribute to the discovery of circumbinary planets, rare compact remnants, and transient events. She is also committed to fostering collaboration and mentoring the next generation of astrophysicists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She envisions a promising future for stellar astrophysics, especially in the study of binary and compact systems. With the continued flow of high-precision data from missions such as TESS, Gaia, and the upcoming PLATO mission, the field is entering a new era of precision and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Soomandar is particularly interested in the integration of asteroseismology, gravitational wave astronomy, and machine learning, which are already transforming how stellar systems are modelled and interpreted. The future also points toward more automated discovery methods and real-time classification of exotic systems.

Outside of research, Dr. Soomandar enjoys outdoor activities like biking and camping, as well as cooking and experimenting with new recipes. She has a strong interest in psychology and often engages with books and podcasts on human behaviour and mental health.