Gavin Wang is a junior completing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, currently researching topics related to astronomy and astrophysics, specifically extrasolar planets. He is a recipient of the 2025 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. In an interview with The News-Letter, Wang described his research experience and future plans.
The News-Letter: Could you briefly describe your research project, especially the one you wrote about in your Goldwater application?
Gavin Wang: For the application essay, I wrote about a project I started the summer after my freshman year in Professor David Sing’s group, working with graduate student William Balmer. We were studying HAT-P-67 b: the largest known exoplanet by radius. It had been suspected to have an extremely low density due to its size, but no accurate mass measurements had been made — only rough bounds. My job was to analyze data that [Balmer] collected and determine the planet’s mass using the radial velocity (or Doppler shift) method. That involves studying how the spectrum of the host star changes over time as the planet orbits and tugs on it. We found that the planet is about twice the radius of Jupiter but only half its mass, making it less dense than water — about 0.1 g/cm³. What’s especially interesting is that models predict such a planet should lose its atmosphere within 100 million years, yet this one is 1.7 billion years old. I also found that the star has recently started evolving and becoming brighter, meaning the planet is on the verge of atmospheric loss. We are lucky that we can capture the planet at this transitory stage.
N-L: What drew you to this type of research?
GW: I’ve been interested in astronomy since high school, and I remember coming across news about exoplanet discoveries that really captured my imagination. That led me to join the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite collaboration, which was my first real exposure to research. I contributed to the discovery of new planets, and that was my first sort of real research experience. I’ve been pursuing related research ever since — eventually continuing it at Hopkins.
N-L: How has Hopkins — or the people in your lab — supported your independence as a researcher?
GW: I’ve been really lucky to have great mentorship, especially from Néstor Espinoza at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). My first project with him was one-on-one, and he gave me a lot of guidance while letting me lead the work. I was still in high school or just starting at Hopkins at the time, and I didn’t know much, so his support meant a lot. He included me in group meetings, helped me connect with other researchers, and gave me the resources I needed to grow. That environment definitely helped me build the confidence and skills to take the lead on future projects.
N-L: Did the school or your lab help you with the Goldwater application? How was that process?
GW: Yes, both my mentors wrote recommendation letters, which I believe were very strong, and they also gave me feedback on my essay. The school’s National Fellowships Program (NFP) was also extremely helpful. They provided a Canvas page with resources, organized multiple meetings to walk us through the process, and gave personalized feedback. Kathleen Barry [Director of NFP] and the NFP team were great about reviewing my materials. Overall, the support from both my mentors and the school made a big difference and definitely strengthened my application.
N-L: I'm really glad to hear that. What challenges did you face when you first started doing research, especially since you mentioned leading a project early on?
GW: One major challenge was during my freshman year when I was analyzing data for about 300 exoplanets. Running my code on all that data would take an enormous amount of time — months, even. I wasn’t sure how to make the process more efficient, but my mentors helped me optimize the code. That made a big difference. Also, each new project I’ve done has involved learning something completely new, whether it’s reading academic papers, learning statistics or picking up new coding skills. My mentors often provided textbooks, resources and coding tips, which helped me get up to speed.
N-L: That sounds like a great support system. What advice would you give to students who are interested in research — either in astronomy or more generally — and maybe those considering applying to fellowships like the Goldwater?
GW: I would definitely encourage anyone interested in research to go for it. It’s been a really rewarding experience for me. I’d suggest reaching out to faculty or scientists — even just sending an email, like I did with Espinoza when I got into Hopkins. A lot of researchers are happy to mentor [undergraduate students] if they have the time. Specifically for astronomy, the STScI is a fantastic resource at Hopkins, and it’s one of the reasons I chose to come here. Since the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, there’s been incredible science happening right across the street from campus. As for fellowships like the Goldwater, I’d say don’t be intimidated. It might seem like a lot — three recommendation letters, several essays — but if you break it down step by step, it’s manageable. Even if you don’t get it, writing the application helps you reflect on your goals and experiences, which is valuable for future opportunities like grad school.
N-L: Thank you so much for all the insight. What’s next for you — any upcoming projects, or plans for grad school?
GW: The project I mentioned earlier — the one from my Goldwater application — was recently accepted for publication, which is really exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing it published and maybe promoting it in some way. As for the future, I’ll be applying to [doctoral] programs in the fall, focusing on astronomy, astrophysics or physics, with a continued interest in exoplanets. I’m especially interested in characterizing their atmospheres and formation histories using data from new instruments and techniques. There’s a lot to explore, and I’m really excited about what’s ahead.
