Rishika Porandla

Rishika PorandlaRishika PorandlaRishika Porandla

Rishika Porandla

Rishika PorandlaRishika PorandlaRishika Porandla
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Rishika Porandla

Rishika PorandlaRishika PorandlaRishika Porandla

scientific researcher & published author


Rishika is a sophomore at Princeton University, studying Astrophysics. Rishika is a current Department of Energy Undergraduate Intern, Research at the Princeton Space Physics Laboratory, and 7-time NASA Research Intern.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RISHIKA

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

1 of 12 national recipients, selected from a pool of over 500 competitors after being named a Finalist and invited to present research at the AAS 246 conference. 


Issued by American Astronomical Society (AAS· Jun 2025


The Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award is a prestigious honor presented by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) to recognize exceptional research by undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients are selected for demonstrating exemplary scientific contributions and presentation at AAS conferences.

2025 Nomination for Sigma Xi Full Membership

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

Issued by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society · Feb 2025


Election to full membership in the Society involves publication as the primary author (defined in the manner appropriate to the discipline) on at least two different articles published in a refereed journal, patents, or refereed monographs. Candidates who qualify for full membership are usually winners of prestigious national or international research-based awards or grants.

2023-2024 NASA Headquarters Outreach Excellence Distinction

2025 Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Award Honors @ AAS 246

2023-2024 NASA Headquarters Outreach Excellence Distinction

Issued by NASA · Nov 2024


The 2023–2024 NASA Headquarters Outreach Excellence Distinction recognizes outstanding contributions to public engagement and science communication initiatives led through NASA Headquarters. This honor is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in broadening participation, advancing educational equity, and translating complex research into accessible, impactful outreach programs.

2024 IEEE Featured Publication and Selected Speaker

2024 IEEE Featured Publication and Selected Speaker

2023-2024 NASA Headquarters Outreach Excellence Distinction

 Issued by IEEE · Jun 2024


Publication: QECM-2: A novel visualization of the influence of Earth's precession index variations on the insolation, precipitation, and photosynthetic activity experienced by equatorial regions

2023 Breakthrough Junior Prize Top 5% Distinction

2024 IEEE Featured Publication and Selected Speaker

2023 Breakthrough Junior Prize Top 5% Distinction

Scored in the Top 5% out of 2,400 international applicants. 


Issued by Breakthrough Junior Prize · Jun 2024 

2023 CERN Beamline for Schools Global Finalist

2024 IEEE Featured Publication and Selected Speaker

2023 Breakthrough Junior Prize Top 5% Distinction

Team Lead of 1 of 27 Global CERN BL4S Finalists out of ~400 competitors. 


Issued by CERN · Jun 2023 


Developed a novel radiotherapy integration combining the FLASH ultra-high dosage procedure with VHEE electron beams to irradiate and destruct tumor-simulating organic compounds while sparing peripheral tissue. Designed a Chitosan-PLGA phantom bone tumor employing a nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold with a protruding calcium anaerobic simulant. 

2024 Cameron Impact Scholar Finalist

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

1 of 91 national recipients out of ~3000 competitors.


Issued by Bryan Cameron Education Foundation · Sept 2024


The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, impact-driven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics.

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

1st place overall out of ~1000 competitors nationwide.


Issued by Journal of Young Explorers Meta (JYEM) · Aug 2023


Engineered Global Climate Model discovering 20+ precession-induced climate forcings with a 97% accurate simulation for 4 latitudes w/ climate variability. 


2023 U.S. Agency for International Development Science Champion

2023 Journal of Young Explorers Meta Research Conference Grand Prize

2023 U.S. Agency for International Development Science Champion


1 of 100 global recipients.


Issued by Beal Bank & U.S. Agency of International Development · Mar 2023


USAID presents the Science Champion Award to exceptional students or teams exhibiting at ISEF-Affiliated Fairs around the world whose projects have the potential to make an impact on addressing international development challenges.

CURRENT PROJECTS

INTERNSHIPS

 

  • NASA Summer Research Scholar @ Princeton University Space Physics Laboratory (current, 2025)
  • Department of Energy (DOE) Student Research Intern @ Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (current, 2025)
  • NASA IMAP Intern @ Princeton University Space Physics Laboratory (prior, 2024)
  • NASA Headquarters Planetary Science Division Leadership Intern (prior, 2024)
  • NASA ASTRO CAMP® North Texas Director (prior, 2022-2024)
  • NASA Peer Engagement Intern (prior, 2023-2024)
  • NASA Headquarters Astrophysics Division Research Management Intern (prior, 2023-2024)
  • NASA Moonshot Internship Integration Manager (prior, 2023)
  • NASA Langley Space Center Climate Observation Intern (prior, 2022-2023)
  • NASA Johnson Space Center Computational Analysis Intern (prior, 2022)
  • NASA SEES Intern @ UT Austin’s Center for Space Research (prior, 2022)

RESEARCH GROUPS

  • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Ji Group (current, 2025)
  • Princeton University Space Physics Group (current, 2024)
  • Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics: Pulsar Group (prior, 2024)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Herring Group (prior, 2024)
  • Harvard University: Heller Group (prior, 2023-2024)
  • University of Texas: Center of Space Research (prior, 2022-2023)
  • University of Texas: CERN BL4S Team Lead (prior, 2023)

SPACETIME ARCHIVES

  • Founding Executive Director
  • Impacted 50,000+ students nationwide through educational seminars, research mentorship, tutoring and other resources.
  • Coordinated administrative team of 70+ and secured partnership with Texas Astronomical Society to implement Spacetime Archives Student Research Fellowship w/ 500+ research students and 100+ mentors.
  • Collaborating with 15+ organizations, including NASA ACCP, International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory, National Equity Project, Intercultural Development Research Association, Hack+, Ready Aiders Foundation, and Asian American Voices for Education.

TEXAS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

  • Director-at-Large (current, 2025)
  • Teen President (prior, 2023-2024)
  • Vice President (prior, 2022-2023)
  • Representing 6,000 members statewide in TAS collaborations & 100+ members in astronomy research projects.
  • Expanded youth membership by 40%, targeting underrepresented census populations.
  • Conduct monthly community astronomy events as a youth representative of the state organization.
  • Responsible for finding speakers for monthly meetings and organizing outreach events with public schools and astronomy clubs.

READY AIDERS FOUNDATION

  • Principal Curriculum Coordinator (current, 2025)
  • Developed and facilitated over 15 virtual workshops focused on scientific research and professional development for young girls.
  • Introduced participants to various technology and STEM careers, providing hands-on learning experiences and mentorship.
  • Enabled more than 100 girls to achieve STEM certifications, fostering their interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

VISIT SPACETIME ARCHIVES

Publications

  • PVC Biodegradability via E-Beam Photothermal Pyrolysis
    Porandla, R., Andeen, T., & Lang, K. (2024).
    “Optimizing Electron‐Beam Photothermal Pyrolysis Parameters for Enhanced Molecular Biodegradability of Polyvinyl Chloride Plastics.”
    Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2400257.
    [Published: October 2024]
     
  • Earth’s Precession Index & Equatorial Climate
    Porandla, R. (2023).
    “QECM-2: A novel visualization of the influence of Earth’s precession index variations on the insolation, precipitation, and photosynthetic activity experienced by equatorial regions.”
    In 2023 13th Workshop on Hyperspectral Imaging and Signal Processing (WHISPERS), IEEE.
    [Published: October 2023]
     
  • SMBH Jets via Radio Galaxy Morphology
    Porandla, R., Grover, A., Pinto, S., Raut, S., Sella Kapu, M., & Ries, J. G. (2022).
    “Supermassive Black Holes: An Exploration of Galactic Nuclei and Jets via Radio Emission Analysis.”
    Presented at AGU Fall Meeting 2022, ED42B-0566.
    [Published: December 2022]

Projects

  • Astrophysical Turbulence Modeling in IC 5146 Cloud
    Evaluating filamentary structure using JCMT POL-2 polarization data and Herschel SEDs.
    Supervised by Dr. Eric J. Heller @ Harvard University.
    (Nov 2024 – Present)
  • Graphene Foil Evaluation for Electrostatic Analyzers (ESAs)
    Testing ion beam transmission, angular scattering, and crud formation compared to carbon foils.
    Supervised by Dr. David McComas & Dr. Jamie Rankin @ Princeton University.
    (May 2025 – Present)
     
  • Electron Energy Analyzer (EEA) Redesign for FLARE Plasma Experiment
    Improving energy discrimination and spatial resolution in reconnection diagnostics.
    Supervised by Dr. Hantao Ji and Joshua Pawlak @ PPPL.
    (June 2025 – Present)
     
  • Controllable Burn-in System for CEMs
    Developed modular burn-in platform using LabVIEW and CAD-based electron guns.
    Supervised by Dr. David McComas @ Princeton Space Physics Lab.
    (Sep 2024 – Present)
     
  • PI Evaluation for NASA Planetary Science Missions
    Applied NLP and LDA topic modeling to analyze PI backgrounds and mission leadership.
    Supervised by Dr. Curt Nieber @ NASA HQ.
    (June – Aug 2024)
     
  • Simulated Lunar Habitation Module with Radiation Shielding
    Used MCNP code and SolidWorks to optimize lunar habitat design with boronated polyethylene.
    Supervised by Dr. Marina Parker @ NASA Langley.
    (Sep 2022 – June 2023)
     
  • Pulsar Timing for nHz Gravitational Waves
    Fourier-transformed pulsar TOAs to isolate solar wind and IISM effects; conducted PSD analysis.
    Supervised by Dr. Rutger van Haasteren @ Max Planck Institute.
    (May – July 2024)
     
  • Kolmogorov Turbulence & Branched Flow in the ISM
    Built MATLAB/C++ simulation of radio scintillation via turbulence; cataloged 150k+ sources.
    Supervised by Dr. Eric Heller @ Harvard University.
    (June 2023 – Jan 2024)
     

Interview Series

 

  • Interviewer of female educational policymakers and government officials through personal interview series “And Then There Were 10: The Testimonies of Ten Women Fighting for Educational Equity.” 
    • Notable interviewees include: Courtney Black: International Space Station U.S. Laboratory Education Project Manager, Dr. Emmanuela Delva: Acting Managing Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Research Division.

Interview with ISS National Lab Education Project Manager Courtney Black

Interview with USAID Research Division Director Dr. Emmanuella Delva

Interview with Award-Winning NASA Science Writer Mara Johnson-Groh

rishika's novel: letalis

where to buy, excerpts, and media coverage.

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rishika's portfolio

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