Masha Baryakhtar

Masha Baryakhtar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on theoretical particle physics, dark matter, and cosmology, with a particular emphasis on precision searches for light dark matter and ultralight particles using astrophysical observations and gravitational waves. She holds a PhD in Physics from Stanford University (2015) and a B.A. in Physics and Mathematics from Harvard University (2010).

• Education:
• Ph.D., Physics, Stanford University, 2015
• A.B., Physics and Mathematics, Harvard University, 2010

Her research interests intersect particle theory with astroparticle physics and cosmology, including novel observational techniques like intensity interferometry for stellar motion measurements. She has held postdoctoral fellowships at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (Banting Fellow) and New York University (James Arthur Fellow).

Awards:

• Department of Energy Early Career Award (2023)
• Aspen Physics Block Award (2020)
• Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017)

She actively advises students and leads a research group at the University of Washington, with publications tracked via Inspire HEP. Her work bridges fundamental physics with experimental astrophysics and observational techniques.