Projects
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.
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.
Uses multi-sensor SAR imagery to identify inundated areas and assess road accessibility during extreme precipitation events. Processes SAR backscatter data to generate flood masks, which are integrated with OpenStreetMap road networks and OSRM routing to evaluate evacuation corridors and access to shelters. The project examines how satellite data can be applied to support emergency response planning.
Recognition:
NASA Space Apps Challenge - Global Nominee
Recognition:
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 focuses on identifying observational patterns that can inform future spectroscopy-based studies of habitability and technosignatures.
Methods include multivariable correlation analysis, parameter-space mapping, and hypothesis-driven classification of candidate planets. The project focuses on identifying observational patterns that can inform future spectroscopy-based studies of habitability and technosignatures.
Publications
Authors: Antonika Shapovalova
Repository: Zenodo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18203497
Year: 2026
Status: Software / Research Code
This code implements a physics-based, end-to-end transmission spectroscopy model designed to evaluate the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres. The implementation combines explicit atmospheric structure modeling, line-by-line molecular absorption calculations, exact transit limb geometry, and an instrument-aware photon-noise model to simulate realistic transit observations. The resulting framework computes wavelength-dependent transit depths, signal-to-noise ratios, and integration time requirements, enabling quantitative feasibility limits for molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature detection relevant to Habitable Worlds Observatory mission studies.
Repository: Zenodo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18203497
Year: 2026
Status: Software / Research Code
This code implements a physics-based, end-to-end transmission spectroscopy model designed to evaluate the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres. The implementation combines explicit atmospheric structure modeling, line-by-line molecular absorption calculations, exact transit limb geometry, and an instrument-aware photon-noise model to simulate realistic transit observations. The resulting framework computes wavelength-dependent transit depths, signal-to-noise ratios, and integration time requirements, enabling quantitative feasibility limits for molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature detection relevant to Habitable Worlds Observatory mission studies.
Authors: Antonika Shapovalova
Repository: EarthArXiv
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31223/X5618N
Year: 2026
Status: Preprint
This project assesses the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres by developing a physics-based transmission spectroscopy and noise modeling framework. The model enables quantitative evaluation of molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature signals under realistic observational conditions and defines feasibility limits directly relevant to science planning for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
Repository: EarthArXiv
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31223/X5618N
Year: 2026
Status: Preprint
This project assesses the ultraviolet detectability of Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres by developing a physics-based transmission spectroscopy and noise modeling framework. The model enables quantitative evaluation of molecular oxygen (O₂) biosignature signals under realistic observational conditions and defines feasibility limits directly relevant to science planning for the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
Inventor: Antonika Shapovalova
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Status: Patent Application Filed (Provisional, US)
A provisional patent application filed with the USPTO. The invention describes an automated framework for flood detection and evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning–based classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes evacuation paths under disaster-response constraints.
Filing Date: November 21, 2025
Status: Patent Application Filed (Provisional, US)
A provisional patent application filed with the USPTO. The invention describes an automated framework for flood detection and evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning–based classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes evacuation paths under disaster-response constraints.
Author: A. Shapovalova
Repository: EarthArXiv
DOI: 10.31223/X5GJ08
Year: 2025
Status: Preprint
This preprint presents a multi-sensor SAR-based framework for flood extent detection and road accessibility assessment during extreme precipitation events. The study integrates satellite imagery with geospatial modeling to examine evacuation routing under real-world disaster conditions. The results illustrate the application of combined SAR data analysis and network-based modeling for emergency response planning.
Repository: EarthArXiv
DOI: 10.31223/X5GJ08
Year: 2025
Status: Preprint
This preprint presents a multi-sensor SAR-based framework for flood extent detection and road accessibility assessment during extreme precipitation events. The study integrates satellite imagery with geospatial modeling to examine evacuation routing under real-world disaster conditions. The results illustrate the application of combined SAR data analysis and network-based modeling for emergency response planning.
Authors: Antonika Shapovalova
Repository: Zenodo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17765720
Year: 2025
Status:Software / Research Code
FloodRadar / DryPath Map is a lightweight web-based decision support tool that operationalizes SAR-derived flood extent maps for evacuation planning. The application integrates pre-classified SAR data with local infrastructure layers and routing services to provide address-level situational awareness during flood events.
Repository: Zenodo
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17765720
Year: 2025
Status:Software / Research Code
FloodRadar / DryPath Map is a lightweight web-based decision support tool that operationalizes SAR-derived flood extent maps for evacuation planning. The application integrates pre-classified SAR data with local infrastructure layers and routing services to provide address-level situational awareness during flood events.
Patents
A provisional patent application filed with the USPTO.
The invention introduces an automated framework for flood detection and safe evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes optimized evacuation paths under real-world disaster constraints.
Status: Patent Pending (US 63/922,936).
The invention introduces an automated framework for flood detection and safe evacuation routing using multi-sensor SAR satellite imagery, hydrological data, and machine-learning classification. The system identifies flood extent, evaluates road accessibility, and computes optimized evacuation paths under real-world disaster constraints.
Status: Patent Pending (US 63/922,936).
Public Scientific Presentations
AIAA Region 3 Student Conference
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 10–11, 2026
Exoplanet Atmospheres 2026 (AASTCS 11)
Hilton Denver City Center - Denver, CO
Hilton Denver City Center - Denver, CO
March 16–20, 2026
The Zodiac Signs and How They Are Defined
Elgin Community College — Elgin, IL
Elgin Community College — Elgin, IL
November 11, 2025
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): Principles and ApplicationsNorthwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA) — Harper College, Illinois
November 7, 2025
Awards
Top 1% Nationally
National
2026
Top 1% Nationally
National
2026
Experience
Participated in the AIAA Region III Student Conference, a regional aerospace engineering conference focused on student research, technical presentations, and interdisciplinary collaboration in aerospace science and engineering.
Participated in Exoplanet Atmospheres 2026 (AASTCS 11), a specialized international conference dedicated to exoplanet atmosphere research and interdisciplinary collaboration in astrophysics.
As part of a CURIC research team, conducts faculty-mentored research analyzing spectral data and modeling atmospheric indicators of potential habitability. The work focuses on evaluating exoplanetary atmospheres using established methods and defined analytical approaches to study possible biosignatures.
Independently conduct remote sensing research using NASA Earthdata, analyzing satellite observations and applying geospatial and atmospheric methods to scientific research questions. I work across the full data pipeline, including data acquisition, preprocessing, modeling, and interpretation of satellite-based measurements.
As a member of the Golden Ratio Robotics team competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge, works on team-based programming and system integration for an autonomous competition robot. Collaborates with teammates to debug, refine, and prepare software components for use in qualification matches and competition runs within an FTC competition environment.
Serves as President of the Astronomy Club at Elgin Community College, establishing the club’s structure and defining its scientific focus in astronomy. Organizes scientific meetings and conferences, delivers thematic presentations, and coordinates observational sessions, including nighttime planetary observations, supporting discussion-based learning and observational activities in astronomy.
Delivered an invited scientific presentation for the Northwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA), presenting astronomy research to an external audience of members and guests. Engaged in post-lecture discussion of an independent research project, addressing questions and participating in technical dialogue with members of the astronomy community.
Selected for the High School Girls’ Astronomy Summer Camp at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), a university-hosted program for high school students. Admitted while enrolled below the high school level.
Served as a volunteer instructor at a Chinese immersion summer camp, supporting the teaching of Chinese reading and writing to younger students. Guided students through language activities and supported students individually in an educational and cultural setting.
Participated in the AIAA Region III Student Conference, a regional aerospace engineering conference focused on student research, technical presentations, and interdisciplinary collaboration in aerospace science and engineering.
Participated in Exoplanet Atmospheres 2026 (AASTCS 11), a specialized international conference dedicated to exoplanet atmosphere research and interdisciplinary collaboration in astrophysics.
As part of a CURIC research team, conducts faculty-mentored research analyzing spectral data and modeling atmospheric indicators of potential habitability. The work focuses on evaluating exoplanetary atmospheres using established methods and defined analytical approaches to study possible biosignatures.
Independently conduct remote sensing research using NASA Earthdata, analyzing satellite observations and applying geospatial and atmospheric methods to scientific research questions. I work across the full data pipeline, including data acquisition, preprocessing, modeling, and interpretation of satellite-based measurements.
As a member of the Golden Ratio Robotics team competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge, works on team-based programming and system integration for an autonomous competition robot. Collaborates with teammates to debug, refine, and prepare software components for use in qualification matches and competition runs within an FTC competition environment.
Serves as President of the Astronomy Club at Elgin Community College, establishing the club’s structure and defining its scientific focus in astronomy. Organizes scientific meetings and conferences, delivers thematic presentations, and coordinates observational sessions, including nighttime planetary observations, supporting discussion-based learning and observational activities in astronomy.
Delivered an invited scientific presentation for the Northwest Suburban Astronomers (NSA), presenting astronomy research to an external audience of members and guests. Engaged in post-lecture discussion of an independent research project, addressing questions and participating in technical dialogue with members of the astronomy community.
Selected for the High School Girls’ Astronomy Summer Camp at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), a university-hosted program for high school students. Admitted while enrolled below the high school level.
Served as a volunteer instructor at a Chinese immersion summer camp, supporting the teaching of Chinese reading and writing to younger students. Guided students through language activities and supported students individually in an educational and cultural setting.
Education
Selected Coursework
- MTH-190 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I — limits, derivatives, integrals, applications in modeling
- MTH-114 Trigonometry — trigonometric functions, identities, analytic methods
- MTH-112 College Algebra — algebraic structures, functions, quantitative reasoning
- AST-100 Astronomy — observational astronomy, stellar/planetary systems
- ENG-101 English Composition I — academic writing, analytical argumentation
- SOC-100 Principles of Sociology — social systems, research frameworks
Advanced curriculum with emphasis on mathematics, science, and independent academic work.
Standardized Assessments:
- Illinois Science Assessment (Grade 7): Exemplary (Level 4), Top 1–3% in Illinois
- MAP Growth (Math): 99th percentile
- MAP Growth (Reading): 95th percentile
Standardized Assessments:
Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Program, Summer 2022
- Illinois Science Assessment (Grade 5): Exemplary (Level 4), Top 1–3% in Illinois
- MAP Growth (Math): 99th percentile
- MAP Growth (Reading): 92nd percentile
Advanced Mathematics Enrichment Program, Summer 2022
Additional University-Level Coursework
Certificate
Verified online university-level courseworkRICEdX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Verified online university-level courseworkRICEdX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Certificate
Verified online university-level coursework DelftX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Verified online university-level coursework DelftX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Certificate
Online university-level coursework Coursera - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Online university-level coursework Coursera - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Certificate
Verified online university-level courseworkRICEdX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Verified online university-level courseworkRICEdX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Certificate
Verified online university-level coursework DelftX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Verified online university-level coursework DelftX / edX - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Certificate
Online university-level coursework Coursera - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Online university-level coursework Coursera - Non-credit; not equivalent to on-campus enrollment
Skills
Python - data analysis, scientific computing
Java
Java
Calculus & Analytic Geometry
Linear Algebra & Trigonometry
Mathematical Modeling
Linear Algebra & Trigonometry
Mathematical Modeling
Remote Sensing Data Analysis (SAR)
Statistical Analysis & Correlation Methods
Geospatial Data Processing
Statistical Analysis & Correlation Methods
Geospatial Data Processing
Media
Feature Article · August 8, 2025
Author: Mike Danahey
Title: Only 13, Carpentersville girl already a seasoned student at Elgin Community College
Link: Chicago Tribune
Author: Mike Danahey
Title: Only 13, Carpentersville girl already a seasoned student at Elgin Community College
Link: Chicago Tribune
Academic & Applied Activities
Academic engagement in astronomy through participation in the Northwest Suburban Astronomers since May 2025. Activities include attendance at observational sessions, lectures, and community-based astronomy events, with growing involvement in astrophotography and observational astronomy.
🔗 Check out the NSA website:
https://www.nsaclub.org/
🔗 Check out the NSA website:
https://www.nsaclub.org/
Participation in a competitive robotics team beginning in the 2025 school year. Involvement includes robot design, programming, and system integration, as well as team-based outreach activities related to sponsorship and resource coordination.
🔗 Check out our website:
https://goldenratiorobotics.com/
🔗 Check out our website:
https://goldenratiorobotics.com/
Long-term competitive swimmer with sustained training and participation in regional and state-level competitions. Swimming represents a consistent commitment alongside academic work and contributes to discipline, endurance, and structured training habits.
🔗 Check out my swimming on Swim Cloud:
https://www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/2812365/times/
Some of my best results:
🔗 Check out my swimming on Swim Cloud:
https://www.swimcloud.com/swimmer/2812365/times/
Some of my best results:
- Illinois Open Water State Championship 2024 - 2nd Place 🥈
- Central Zone Open Water Championships 2024 - 14th Place
- Illinois Open Water State Championship 2025 - 4th Place
- Central Zone Open Water Championships 2025 - 15th Place
- Illinois Open Water State Championship 2022 - 4th Place
- Illinois Summer Regional Championships 2024 - 500 Freestyle 1st Place 🥇
- Illinois Winter Regional Championships 2025 -1000 Freestyle 2nd Place 🥈, 1650 Freestyle 2nd Place 🥈
- Illinois Winter Regional Championships 2023 -500 Freestyle 3rd Place 🥉
- Illinois Summer Regional Championships 2022 - 100 Backstroke 2nd Place 🥈, 200 Freestyle 3rd Place 🥉
