Antonika Shapovalova

FloodRadar is an applied remote sensing project that integrates multi-sensor SAR imagery with routing algorithms to support evacuation planning during extreme precipitation events. The system processes SAR backscatter data to detect inundated regions and classify low-water crossings using thresholding and machine-learning–based refinement methods to generate flood masks.
These outputs are integrated with OpenStreetMap road networks and OSRM routing to evaluate road accessibility and compute evacuation corridors and shelter accessibility under dynamic hydrological conditions. The project demonstrates an end-to-end workflow for operationalizing satellite data in community-level emergency response.

Awards:
NASA Space Apps Challenge — Global Nominee

This research analyzes physical and orbital characteristics of exoplanetary systems using data from public astronomical catalogs. The study examines planetary radii, equilibrium temperatures, orbital parameters, and atmospheric indicators associated with habitability.
Methods include multivariable correlation analysis, parameter-space mapping, and hypothesis-driven classification of candidate planets. The project develops an analytical framework for prioritizing targets for future spectroscopy-based habitability and technosignature studies.

Detecting atmospheres around Earth-sized exoplanets is a critical step toward identifying potentially habitable worlds, yet such atmospheres produce extremely weak observational signals. This study investigates the detectability of an Earth-like atmosphere using ultraviolet transmission spectroscopy and examines which wavelength ranges provide the strongest atmospheric signatures during planetary transits.
An Earth-like atmospheric model was implemented using realistic altitude profiles of temperature, pressure, and molecular abundances based on terrestrial atmospheric data. Ultraviolet absorption cross sections of key atmospheric species (including oxygen, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide), derived from existing laboratory spectroscopic databases, were incorporated
into the model to compute wavelength-dependent absorption of stellar radiation. The cumulative absorption was translated into an effective atmospheric height, representing the apparent increase in planetary radius during transit, while accounting for instrumental spectral resolution and realistic stellar ultraviolet emission.
The results show that atmospheric detectability is strongly wavelength dependent. Ultraviolet wavelengths yield significantly larger transmission signals than longer wavelengths due to efficient absorption by oxygen- and ozone-related features, which dominate the atmospheric signature. Other trace gases contribute smaller effects. The predicted transit depth variations reach several parts per million for an Earth-sized planet, with detectability strongly influenced by host star brightness through its impact on signal-to-noise ratio.
This study demonstrates how Earth serves as a reference system for interpreting exoplanet observations. These findings highlight ultraviolet transmission spectroscopy as a promising approach for future space missions, including concepts such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory, aimed at detecting Earth-like atmospheres and assessing planetary habitability beyond the Solar System.

In addition, the model explicitly evaluates photon budgets and noise sources, enabling quantitative estimates of the observation time required to detect atmospheric signatures at a given signal-to-noise ratio.

During middle school, I focused on building a strong academic foundation through advanced coursework, especially in math and science. I enjoy problem-solving and connecting concepts across subjects

Standardized Assessments:

Programs:
Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Program, Summer 2022

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Standardized Assessments:

At Vero Homeschooling, I study an advanced curriculum that allows me to strengthen core academic skills while progressing at an accelerated pace. My coursework emphasizes math, science, and problem-solving. I enjoy developing independent learning strategies and consistently maintain strong academic performance.

Barbara B. Rose Elementary School (Grades K–5)