Dev Khullar's time at ULethbridge proves the power of exploration and embracing change. From starting as a finance major to discovering his passion for mathematics and physics, Dev has dived headfirst into research that has taken him to the edges of the universe — literally identifying potential black hole candidates under the mentorship of Dr. Alex Tetarenko from the Department of Physics & Astronomy. At ULethbridge, he’s found a vibrant community, lifelong friendships, and a newfound love for coding and astrophysics.
I chose ULethbridge because of its affordability in comparison to other universities and the smaller class sizes, enabling me to make deeper connections with my peers and professors, which has been very true so far. Being so close to the mountains definitely helped!
Meet Dev | Resilient. Crazy. Ambitious.
Program: Bachelor of Science | Major: Mathematics
Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?
I joined the university as a finance major and was planning on studying economics as well. However, since then, I have completely changed fields and am now neck-deep in mathematics and physics.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?
My most memorable ULethbridge experience so far has been doing research under the guidance of Dr. Alex Tetarenko in observational astrophysics, which has been one of the coolest things I have ever done! I learned to code to do my research, which made me realize that I really, really like coding. Also, with my research, I identified a potential black hole/neutron star candidate in the Milky Way Galaxy, and that's just crazy!
Although, it was not an easy ride. The learning curve to understanding the ins and outs of X-ray binaries and getting used to the different terminologies and software in astronomy was hard, but Dr. Tetarenko was always there to guide me in every step of the way and helped make things easier and bearable.
The friends I made along the way doing research — Emily, Andy and Troy — also deserve a special mention, who were always ready to "scavenge" for free food and our many, many walks around the university campus.
We got to do some amazing astrophysics this past summer! Ever since then, I have been hooked and I am doing research during the semester as well and cannot wait to go back to do research full-time next summer!
How have your professors impacted your education?
I have been fortunate to have had some amazing professors who made a really big impact on my education in terms of being curious to learn more and more about math and physics and the various opportunities in this space. Drs. Alex Tetarenko, Amir Akbary, Sean Fitzpatrick and Jana Archibald deserve a special mention as they were a huge part of this.
Dr. Archibald gave me very insightful guidance while I was switching from finance to mathematics and physics and was very supportive throughout the whole process (I cannot wait to take topology with her!).
Dr. Akbary has always been very patient in answering the many questions that I have about mathematics, feeding my insatiable curiosity, while making me ever more curious.
One of the best professors that I have ever had is Dr. Fitzpatrick, who is monumental in piquing my interests about the weird ways of linear algebra and challenging me with the intricacies of differential geometry.
Dr. Tetarenko is a really supportive mentor and guide who introduced me to this super interesting field of X-ray binaries. She was very patient and calm in answering my millions of questions and was never annoyed by my very frequent visits to her office at the most minor inconvenience.
Dev has shown incredible research potential! Despite starting with no astronomy background in the span of just a few months, he became a talented radio astronomer. — Dr. Alexandra Tetarenko, Department of Physics & Astronomy
Is there anyone else who had an important influence on your ULethbridge experience?
There are so many people who have had an important influence on my ULethbridge experience, but the first person who comes to my mind is Naomi Cramer. While passing by the physics hallway on the 9th floor of the Science Commons, it is a must to stop by Naomi's office to say ‘hi’, which always turns into an hour-long conversation. Naomi is always there with the biggest smile and is the most easy-going person to talk to.
Have you received any scholarships and awards?
I have received numerous scholarships from the University, which have been helpful in keeping me less stressed about the finances and letting me focus more on my education. I am very grateful to the University of Lethbridge for providing these scholarships and motivating me to keep doing well.
Are you participating in any extracurricular activities?
Outside of my studies, I love to volunteer. I am a huge advocate for equity in education and actively volunteer to promote that cause.
Sports-wise, I play a lot of badminton. My evening runs are what keep me sane (winter is going to hinder that, sadly :( Winter is coming!). Apart from that, I do a lot of hiking! This summer, I got to go on many hikes here in Southern Alberta — my favourite one was exploring the Gargantua Caves.
I also enjoy baking and painting, although I am not very good at them. ;)
These activities greatly help me to take a step back from all the stresses that life throws at me and be in the now. They help me recharge so I can attack my coursework more fiercely.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love going on slow walks with my friends to explore the town. I am an avid reader, and I love reading anything from fiction (classics, detective and mystery, science fiction and fantasy) to history, biographies and non-fiction science books. I also love plants and caring for them (but somehow end up killing them all!) — my cactus is the only one who sticks it out with me. I love learning new activities and experimenting with new technologies. Recently, I have been getting more and more into baking and toying with 3-D printing.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
In the immediate future, I see myself doing a lot of math, physics, computer science and statistics. There are so many courses that I am excited to take like Topology, an Independent study in Differential Geometry, and in physics, I would love to take Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear and Particle Physics. I love teaching, and I am doing that by tutoring with the Accessible Learning Centre at the University. Lastly, I plan to keep doing research and do some amazing science/math.
But, if you ask me about the long term — I do not know! But, that's alright. I will figure things out. The world is my oyster!
What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?
My biggest piece of advice to someone who is about to begin their journey at ULethbridge would be to go and talk with your professors during their office hours. I am so glad that I went to talk with my professors in my first semester because that is how I got my research position.
Secondly, make friends in your classes. They make everything bearable and will help keep you sane (shout-out to my wonderful friends!). You will meet people from everywhere who will help you expand your horizons, and you will be introduced to a new world in itself.
(Totally unrelated advice, but take some math courses; it's super fun!)
Is there anything else you want to share with us about your decision to pursue a university degree?
I had joined the University of Lethbridge as a finance major, but almost right away, I realized that finance was not for me. I felt I was in the wrong place, and my studies did not interest me. They seemed very boring and bland and I used to find ways to procrastinate doing my homework. I knew I wanted something more challenging that intrigued me and stretched my intellect. I was always into mathematics and did well in math at school, so math was the right decision.
But, at the same time, I wanted to get back to other sciences. I felt scared as I had not done any science courses since tenth grade; I had mostly focused on math and economics courses in high school. At around the same time, we had the partial solar eclipse in October of 2023 in Lethbridge, and I went to watch it at the Lethbridge Astronomy Society. That was my first time ever witnessing a solar eclipse, and I was blown away! Right after that event, I knew that I was getting back into the sciences, and I especially wanted to study physics. Ever since then, I have not looked back and am happy doing my silly little math and physics homework.
Quick Answers
Favourite class: Mathematical Concepts with Dr. Habiba Kadiri and Accelerated Calculus III with Dr. Sean Fitzpatrick
Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: Playing table tennis on the 6th floor of Science Commons in front of Agility and in UHall.
Favourite place to study: Now, why would I give out my secrets?
Photos submitted by Dev
About Shining Students
Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Dev!