Advisory Board
The Computational Astrophysics Research Lab's advisory board features a distinguished panel of professionals from world-renowned institutions. Representing premier observatories, cutting-edge research centers, and top academic organizations, these experts bring diverse perspectives and deep insights that enrich our mission and strategic direction.
Dr. Rafeel Riaz
Dr. Rafeel completed two postdoctoral fellowships (2017–2021) at the Department of Astronomy, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. His research focuses on proto-binary stars in the present universe and the simulation of low-mass star formation in the early universe through primordial gas collapse.
He is currently an academic and researcher at the Center for Research in Astronomy (CIA), Bernardo O'Higgins University, Santiago, Chile.
Dr. Rafeel Riaz
Dr. Rafeel completed two postdoctoral projects at the Department of Astronomy, Universidad de Concepción, Chile during 2017 – 2021. He has worked on multiple and proto-binary stars emerging in the present universe and is now focusing on simulating the formation mechanism of low-mass stars evolved in the early universe, as primordial gas experienced gravitational collapse under a variety of initial conditions.
He currently works as an academic and researcher at the Center for Research in Astronomy (CIA), Bernardo O'Higgins University, Santiago, Chile.
Dr. Mansoor Ahmed
A visionary in space science, Dr. Ahmed has played a pivotal role in advancing NASA’s astrophysics missions.
A senior NASA scientist, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed has led key roles on the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes and managed the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory De-Orbit mission.
He is Associate Director at NASA Goddard and Program Manager for two flagship astrophysics programs.
Dr. Mansoor Ahmed
Mansoor Ahmed has dedicated most of his professional career to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) program, serving in key roles such as Flight Operations Manager and Project Manager for HST operations. He has participated in nearly all Hubble servicing missions, with only one exception.
During a brief period away from HST, he served as Mission Manager for the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory De-Orbit mission and later as Deputy Project Manager for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Currently, he is the Associate Director of the Astrophysics Projects Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and also serves as Program Manager for the Physics of the Cosmos and Cosmic Origins programs.
Dr. Faisal Ur Rahman
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Faisal Ur Rahman works at the intersection of astrophysics, data science, and software engineering. He contributes to EMU and WALLABY radio astronomy projects, focusing on data validation and the CMB Cold Spot.
He serves on multiple advisory boards, mentors startups globally, and leads tech ventures as Founder & CTO. His work bridges science, technology, and innovation for real-world impact.
Dr. Syed Faisal Ur Rahman
With over 15 years of experience in astrophysics, data science, and software engineering, Dr. Faisal holds a PhD in Space Sciences. He contributes to EMU and WALLABY ASKAP radio astronomy projects, focusing on data validation and the CMB Cold Spot.
He serves on the advisory board of NCBC’s Computational Astrophysics Lab, is an editorial board member of Scientia Magazine, and a resident scientist at LUMS. He mentors globally via Newchip Accelerator and is Founder & CTO of Prime Business and My Impact Meter.
Dr. Faisal collaborates with academia, industry, and government, applying tech for social impact and advancing astrophysics and cosmology.