Dr. Kataria's research focuses on the atmospheric structure and dynamics of exoplanetary atmospheres. She utilizes general circulation models to understand the dynamics of super Earths and hot Jupiters over a wide range of parameters, and particularly how these models can be used to directly interpret exoplanetary spectra from ground- and space-based facilities. Currently, she is investigating the role of clouds and hazes in the atmospheres of a sample of hot Jupiter exoplanets that have been observed with HST and Spitzer. She intends on extending her modeling methodology to understanding clouds and hazes on small-mass planets, in anticipation of their detection and characterization with future facilities such as TESS, WFIRST, and JWST.
Education
PhD, Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona (2014)
BS, Astronomy/Planetary Science, State University of New York at Stony Brook (2009)
BS, Physics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, (2009)