Her Story
About Nikita
At the intersection of astrophysics and cutting-edge statistical analysis, Nikita builds the computational tools that help scientists listen to the universe. Her day-to-day involves processing massive datasets, developing probabilistic models, and presenting findings to international research communities. She brings that same rigorous, evidence-based mindset to every challenge — whether it's decoding gravitational wave signals or evaluating complex systems under uncertainty.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nikita
01What do you attribute your success to?
Curiosity and perseverance — and an unwavering belief that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how long the tunnel gets. In research, there are stretches where nothing works, where the data doesn't cooperate and the answers feel impossibly far away. What carries you through is refusing to give up. I've also been deeply fortunate to have had exceptional mentors throughout my academic career who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me see further than I could on my own.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was to always stay curious and never stop asking questions — even the ones that feel too basic or too bold. Early in my career, a mentor told me that the researchers who make the biggest impact aren't always the most brilliant in the room, but the ones who are most persistent and most willing to be wrong. That stuck with me. Show up, keep learning, and trust the process even when progress feels invisible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up on your dreams and ambitions, and keep working hard — the world is becoming more reciprocative to giving women equal opportunities, and that didn't happen by accident. It happened because women before us refused to be silent. So don't stop advocating for yourself and for others. Your presence in these spaces matters, and the doors you push open don't just open for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It's a genuinely exciting time to be in astrophysics. There are so many fascinating science missions on the horizon, and the field is at full bloom — new discoveries, new questions, new tools. What makes it even more energizing is the global nature of it. Collaborations span continents and time zones, bringing together brilliant minds working toward the same goal. The challenge and the opportunity are really the same thing: the science is moving fast, and keeping up requires constant learning and adaptability.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance — genuinely. I believe deeply in doing excellent work, but not at the cost of your personal life or your happiness. Burnout is real in academia and research, and I've learned that protecting your wellbeing isn't a distraction from your goals, it's what makes them sustainable. I try to bring the same care and intentionality to my relationships and personal time as I do to my research.
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