Joy Gong

I’ve always known I wanted to pursue astrophysics research — yet my interests broadened as I became increasingly curious about physics, statistics, and neuroscience through a plethora of classes and labs. In a nutshell, I am interested in using theoretical and computational methods to study beautiful physical phenomena, ranging from the scales of galaxies to neurons. Currently, I am working with Dr. Masao Sako in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, studying Type Ia supernovae — extremely bright, exploding stars — as probes of the accelerated expansion of our universe. Notably, there is a wealth of exciting work to be done in anticipation of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch in 2027.  

Outside of research, I am part of Sparks Dance Company, Penn Chorale, Women in Physics, Penn Astronomical Student Association, and TA for physics classes. Surprisingly, I have found similar creativity and non-linearity in my artistic and scientific pursuits! If you’re seeking guidance on exploring research interests, locating funding opportunities, or simply balancing life at Penn, I am here to support you!

• Undergraduate researcher, observational cosmology, Prof. Masao Sako (2022 - present)
• Undergraduate researcher, computational cognitive neuroscience, Prof. Anna Schapiro (May 2023 - September 2023)
• Undergraduate researcher, computational neuroscience, Prof. Vijay Balasubramanian (Jan 2023 - April 2023)
• 243rd American Astronomical Society Meeting (2024)
• College of Arts & Sciences Travel Grant (November 2023)
• College Alumni Society Undergraduate Research Grant (2023)
• CURF Fall Research Expo (2022, 2023)
• Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM) (2022)