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</About Me>

I'm a physics and computer science student with a focus on computational astrophysics and cosmology. My research involves applying advanced computational methods and simulations to study galaxy dynamics and large-scale cosmic structures.


I am interested in exploring new computational methods, especially graph theory and the application of graph algorithms in astrophysics to uncover complex relationships and structures within cosmic data.

Valeria Torres

</Research>

Estimating halo merging timescales through emulation-based models

- Advisors: Victor Forouhar-Moreno, PhD., Rob McGibbon, PhD.

Leverage N-body simulations sampling diverse parameters, using metrics like graph-based subhalo finders and angular momentum, along with Gaussian Processes, to explore the performance of previous models, assess the role of numerical resolution, and determine whether emulation-based models surpass traditional approaches in predicting timescales.

Radio background noise analysis in cosmic-ray air showers

- Advisors: Advisors: Frank G. Schroeder, PhD., Paras Koundal, PhD.

Developed a data-driven method to estimate the orientation of radio antennas at the surface array of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory by modeling galactic background noise. Analyzed variations in noise due to the rotation of Earth and the position of the galactic plane, improving calibration and enhancing array sensitivity to cosmic-ray air showers.

Galaxy stellar mass estimation with Graph Neural Networks

- Advisor: Jaime E. Forero-Romero, PhD.

Developed a model to estimate stellar masses of galaxies using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) applied to observational data from the DESI Early Data Release. This research focused on harnessing redshift and photometric measurements to make accurate predictions by analyzing the spatial distribution and connection among galaxies through graph representation.

</Experience>




Internships

The Leiden/ESA Astrophysics Program for Summer Students

Summer 2024

Leiden University, European Space Agency (ESA)
Leiden, Netherlands

Project: Estimating halo merging timescales through emulation-based models
- Advisors: Victor Forouhar-Moreno, PhD., Rob McGibbon, PhD.

Physics Summer Research Internship at University of Delaware

Fall 2024

University of Delaware
Delaware, United States

Project: Radio background noise analysis in cosmic-ray air showers
- Advisors: Frank G. Schroeder, PhD., Paras Koundal, PhD.

Other

Software developer

- SinfonIA, Robotics Research Group
Universidad de los Andes

Frontend Developer

- Department of Biomedical Engineering
Universidad de los Andes

Frontend Developer

- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Universidad de los Andes

</Film photography>

Outside the academic world, I like to capture everyday moments in 35mm film and experiment with composition. Shooting film is a beautiful (and tricky) way to experiment with light.
Here are some of my favorite shots!