Zahra Basti

Contact

Skills

  • Programming:
    • Python
    • Django
    • SQL
    • JavaScript
    • HTML
    • CSS
  • Data Analysis & Visualisation Tools
    • Numpy
    • Pandas
    • SciPy
    • Matplotlib
    • Seaborn
  • Softwares & Tools:
    • Git
    • Spreadsheets
    • Linux and Bash Scripting
    • LaTeX
  • Non-technical Skills:
    • Agile Project Management
    • Critical Thinking
    • Independent Research
    • Public Speaking

Volunteer Work

  • Representative 2023-2024

    Served as a graduate representative on academic committees, including the Graduate Steering Committee and Research Support Committee, with responsibilities that included contributing to the decision-making processes aimed at fostering departmental growth and development.

  • Outreach 2022-2024

    Participated in outreach activities and public science communication, aimed at increasing scientific literacy and enthusiasm among the public and younger generations.

Graduate research fellow in Physics, supplemented by a minor in Mathematics, with profound expertise in Python programming and web development. Engaged in agile software development teams, leading to the implementation of innovative solutions for complex technical challenges. Proven track record in presenting complex topics effectively. Keen to apply rigorous problem-solving abilities developed through research projects, in conjunction with a solid programming background, to tackle real-world business issues.

Professional Experiences

  • Full Stack Web Developer

    Maktabkhooneh.org | Jul 2017 - Sep 2019

    Worked as part of the core team responsible for developing and maintaining the country's #1 e-learning platform, serving over 500,000 users monthly.

    • Successfully planned and implemented one of the three main products of the company from scratch. Leading to increase of the platform's subscribers by ~25%.
    • Designed and implemented dynamic web pages and features using Python, Django, HTML, CSS, and JS; improving the platform's functionality and user engagement.
    • Participated in +50 development sprints, including planning, reviewing and retrospective meetings

  • Graduate Research Fellow

    Queen's University   | Sep 2020 - Present

    Successfully led three projects in Astrophysics, resulting in multiple international presentations and publications. Utilized a range of data and statistical analysis tools to grasp new insights and solutions for long lasting questions in the field.

    • Developed and validated mathematical models for mass modeling in galaxies, focusing on dark matter 3D distribution.
    • Employed numerical simulations to correct biases in current methods with statistical and computational techniques including optimization algorithms.
    • Employed Python tools (Numpy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) for data analysis and visualization, leading to novel insights into astrophysical phenomena in extra-galactic scale.
    • Demonstrated excellence in independent research and employed data-driven problem-solving techniques.
    • Performed a detailed Bayesian statistical analysis on a 10-year dataset from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to identify source distributions using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.
    • Improved data analysis efficiency and accuracy by developing Python scripts for enhanced model-fitting algorithms.

Awards and Certificates

  • Intercultural Awareness Certificate

    Queen's University | 2023

    Awarded the Intercultural Awareness Certificate for participating in a series of educational workshops focused on intercultural understanding.

  • Parya Scholarship

    Parya Foundation | Jan 2021

    Recipient of the Parya Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement

  • Exceptional Talent Scholarship

    University of Tehran | 2014 & 2015

    Awarded scholarships from the University of Tehran in 2014 and 2015 for ranking in the top 1% of the student body based on academic excellence.

  • National Khawrizmi Youth Award

    Khawrizmi Youth Foundation | Iran | 2013

    Secured 6th place at the Khawrizmi National Innovation Competition in the Mathematics field

Education

  • M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy

    Queen's University | Jan 2021 - Jun 2023

  • B.Sc. in Physics

    University of Tehran | Sep 2014 - Mar 2019