Primary Institution and Role
Tsung-Dao Lee Fellow
Tsung-Dao Lee Institute,
Shanghai, China​​
Associate Professor
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, ​​​
School of Physics and Astronomy,
Shanghai, China​​
​
Affiliated Institution and Role
Research Affiliate
Yale University
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences,
New Haven, USA​
​
Address
1 Lisuo Road, Shanghai, 201210, China​​​
​
modirrousta-galian [at] sjtu [dot] edu [dot] cn
(Replace [at] with '@' and [dot] with '.')
Research
I am an astrophysicist and planetary scientist specializing in super-Earths, sub-Neptunes, and their interactions with host stars. My research integrates atmospheric science, geophysics, and astrophysics to develop theoretical models that help explain observed planetary phenomena. I am interested in tackling questions that remain unresolved. A complete list of my publications is available in the Publications section of this website or on my Google Scholar page. You can find my curriculum vitæ here.
Super-Earths (R<1.75_R⊕): These planets have high densities, consistent with silicate mantles and iron cores, and lack significant hydrogen envelopes. Because measurements typically provide only mass and radius, modeling is essential to constrain their composition and structure. I study their formation and evolution to gain insight into their interiors, surface conditions, and potential for habitability.
Sub-Neptunes (1.75_R⊕<R<3.50_R⊕): These planets possess moderate, primordial hydrogen-rich atmospheres. Their masses are generally higher than those of super-Earths, though the populations overlap significantly. The hydrogen-rich envelopes make atmospheric spectroscopy possible. I develop self-consistent models to investigate the interactions between the condensed section (i.e., the nucleus) and the surrounding atmosphere, and I provide theoretical interpretations for planetary interiors and evolutionary histories based on the evidence uncovered by atmospheric spectroscopy.
Star-planet interactions: Stars are most luminous in their high-energy bands in their first few hundred million years after formation. Newly formed planets with primordial atmospheres efficiently absorb X-ray and ultraviolet photons, triggering photoevaporation and the gradual loss of their hydrogen reservoirs. I reexamine the assumptions underlying standard escape models and have proposed diffusion-limited escape as a governing process for hydrogen-rich atmospheres. My work introduces a unified framework that identifies three regimes of atmospheric mass loss, clarifying how internal energy and stellar irradiation combine to shape planetary evolution.
Outside of research, I enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures, philosophies, and perspectives with my wife. We are particularly fond of jazz and classical music, and we enjoy discovering diverse cuisines from around the world.