Mickalan Subramoney with his sister, Chanel and father, Siva. He graduated with a Master of Science degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this week.
Image: Supplied
Intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute meaningfully to understanding the universe were the driving forces behind Mickalan Subramoney’s journey towards a Master’s degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
“I was motivated to pursue my master’s qualification at UKZN because of its strong focus on applied mathematics and cosmology, as well as the opportunity to work on cutting-edge problems in astrophysics. The chance to contribute to research connected to major international experiments like HIRAX and LSST made it an exciting and meaningful next step in my academic journey,” said Subramoney.
The HIRAX project, currently being built in the Northern Cape in the Karoo desert, is a radio telescope array which will eventually consist of 1 024 dishes aimed at mapping nearly all the Southern skies. The first stage of the project is set to be completed by mid-2026. The Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is a ten-year astronomical survey conducted by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.
Subramoney’s thesis is titled ‘Enhancing Cosmic Shear Calibration Using Redshift Information from HI Surveys’.
“My research focuses on improving how we measure the large-scale structure of the Universe using cosmic shear, which is a subtle distortion of galaxy shapes caused by gravity. One of the main challenges is uncertainty in galaxy distances. I explored how radio observations of hydrogen gas can help calibrate these distances more accurately. This leads to more precise measurements of the Universe and helps us better understand dark energy and how the Universe is evolving,” he said.
Subramoney believes the significance of his research lies in its ability to sharpen our understanding of the cosmos. He likens it to turning a blurry image into one that is clear and detailed. By improving the accuracy of galaxy distance measurements, scientists can better understand the invisible forces shaping the universe. This work brings us closer to answering profound questions about what the universe is made of, how it is evolving, and what its future may hold.
His interest in this field began long before university. As a child, Subramoney found himself captivated by the night sky, constantly asking questions about what lies beyond and how the universe came to be. That early sense of wonder evolved into a passion for physics, mathematics and data analysis, ultimately guiding him toward cosmology − a field where curiosity meets discovery. While his academic journey has been deeply fulfilling, he is also focused on broadening his horizons.
Following his MSc, he is gaining experience in the corporate sector as a data scientist and Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineer, with the aim of strengthening his practical and analytical skills. However, his long-term goal remains rooted in academia.
Subramoney plans to return to UKZN to pursue a PhD, where he can integrate industry experience with advanced research in cosmology and data science. He also has a vested interest in astronomy outreach, which he participated in actively during his postgraduate studies.
Behind his achievements stands a strong support system. Subramoney credits his father and grandmother for being his foundation throughout his journey, along with his sisters, whose encouragement has been unwavering. He also acknowledged the mentors and colleagues who have contributed to his growth, both academically and personally.
Outside his academic pursuits, Subramoney finds balance in nature and hands-on activities. He enjoys exploring the outdoors and stargazing, a hobby that keeps him connected to the very subject of his research. He also has a passion for building engines and values staying active through the gym and sports.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Subramoney said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have completed this journey and to have contributed to advancing our understanding of the Universe.
I would encourage other students to explore interdisciplinary paths, as combining diverse skill sets can unlock new perspectives and lead to innovative and impactful opportunities.”