Special LAM seminar: Kartik Sheth – From Cosmic Structures to Scientific Journeys

In this talk, I will present my work on the formation and evolution of disk galaxies using major surveys such as COSMOS and S⁴G, foundational datasets for understanding galaxy structure across cosmic time and in the nearby Universe, respectively. Specifically I will discuss how the depth and breadth of the COSMOS data allowed us to end a 10+ year debate in the field and definitely measure the detailed evolution of disk galaxies in bins of 1 Gyr over the last 7 Gyr. With new facilities — particularly JWST and ALMA — we are now poised to extend this framework to z ~ 3 and beyond, directly probing the epoch of disk assembly and the emergence of internal galaxy structure.

I will also share my professional trajectory beyond academia, including work with private space companies, leadership of the nonprofit Empowered Earth Alliance, and service on nonprofit boards. These experiences shape how I think about building research programs, forming partnerships, and connecting fundamental science to broader innovation ecosystems. I will conclude with the scientific directions I am excited to pursue here and opportunities to build collaborative efforts that leverage local strengths while engaging global networks.