W.I.S.E. Wednesday: Introducing Makana Silva, Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Makana Silva is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory where he conducts theoretical and computational astrophysics research. His research focuses on high-energy phenomena such as black holes and gravitational waves. Makana deep dives into his undergraduate, Ph.D experiences and the struggles he has endured throughout his academic and professional life. Despite the challenges of being far from home, Makana stays motivated by honoring his culture and roots and sharing the spirit of “aloha” throughout his life. Lastly, Makana encourages others to pursue their passions with confidence and purpose.

Interview Transcript:

Question #1: Can you please introduce yourself and your professional background?

Hi my name is Makana Silva and I am currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I started my academic journey at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Physics. From there, I pursued my Ph.D. in Physics at The Ohio State University, where my research focused on high-energy astrophysical processes. That experience really shaped my interest in understanding some of the most extreme environments in the universe. Currently, I’m continuing that line of work as a Director’s Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In this role, I have the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists and apply advanced computational and theoretical methods to explore these complex astrophysical phenomena even further.

Question #2: What inspired you to pursue your path in STEM? What inspired you to pursue research?

From a young age, I was always fascinated by how things work. I found myself constantly asking questions about why certain phenomena happen and what underlying principles govern them. That natural curiosity led me to explore science more deeply, and I realized that physics provided the most fundamental way of understanding how the universe operates. I was especially drawn to the idea of how atoms break apart and form new chemical bonds. It really deepened my interest in the field.

As for research, it felt like a natural extension of that curiosity. Research allows me to not only learn about existing knowledge but also contribute to new discoveries. The idea that I could be working on questions that haven’t been answered yet and maybe even help uncover those answers: this is truly what motivates me.

Question #3: What research do you conduct? How would you describe your research t someone who is unaware of the STEM topic?

I’m a theoretical and computational physicist, which means instead of building instruments or directly collecting data, my work focuses on developing and testing the fundamental theories that help us understand the physical processes we observe in the universe. I start with basic equations and physical laws then translate those into computational models that allow a computer to simulate complex phenomena.

One of the fascinating aspects of this work is its predictive power. If we assume a particular model to describe a phenomenon, we can predict what kind of signals or observations we should expect to see. If the actual data doesn’t match those predictions, it tells us that our model isn’t sufficient, and we need to refine it or explore alternative theories.

My research focuses primarily on gravity and high-energy physics, which often means working at the frontiers of what we currently understand about the universe. For example, I study extreme environments like the centers of black holes, where our existing theories of gravity and physics start to break down. In these regimes, we can challenge and explore the limits of fundamental physics, pushing toward new discoveries about how the universe truly works.

Question #4: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy most is the ability to constantly challenge and test our fundamental understanding of the universe. My work allows me to explore some of the most extreme environments imaginable from theorizing about what happens at the center of a black hole to studying more familiar, ground-based physics. Being able to operate at both ends of that spectrum keeps the work exciting and intellectually stimulating.

We’re also living through a truly groundbreaking era of scientific discovery. With the advent of advanced detectors like LIGO, KAGRA, and Virgo, we now have entirely new ways of observing the universe. Before 2015, much of our understanding came from studying light or high-energy particles like neutrinos and cosmic rays. But now, with the first direct detection of gravitational waves, we’ve essentially started listening to the universe and capturing the cosmic “beats” created by massive events like black hole mergers.

It’s an incredibly exciting time to be in this field because we’re on the cutting edge of discoveries that were impossible just a decade ago. Every new observation opens up more questions and opportunities for exploration, which is what makes this work so fulfilling.

Question #5: What's an exciting development or innovation happening in your field right now?

One of the most exciting developments in my field is the future of gravitational wave astronomy. We’re entering a new era of how we “listen” to the universe, not just through ground-based detectors like LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory), but also with the upcoming generation of space-based interferometers. These space-based systems will allow us to detect gravitational waves at entirely new frequencies and from sources that are currently beyond our observational reach.

At the same time, ground-based detectors are becoming more advanced and sensitive, pushing the boundaries of what we can detect from Earth. Together, these advancements are opening up new possibilities for exploring the universe through gravitational waves, giving us insights into massive cosmic events like black hole mergers and neutron star collisions.

I’m also really excited about how we’re expanding our ability to observe the high-energy universe. New technologies and detectors are helping us explore some of the most energetic and extreme phenomena in space, deepening our understanding of the cosmos. It’s an incredible time to be in this field, as both how we listen to and see the universe is evolving rapidly.

Question #6: What challenges have you faced in your academic and professional journey? How did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the distance from home. I was born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii, and all of my roots—my family, friends, and culture—are there. Leaving that behind to pursue my Ph.D., especially in a place as far away and culturally different as Columbus, Ohio, was incredibly difficult. It wasn’t just the physical distance; it was also the feeling of being disconnected from the culture and way of life that shaped me. It was a real culture shock at first.

What really helped me through that experience was finding a strong support system. I was fortunate to meet an incredible group of friends from all over the world—Sri Lanka, India, Beijing, and many other places. Despite our different backgrounds, we shared similar experiences of being far from home, and that connection helped me stay grounded. Whenever we met up, I always felt a sense of belonging and comfort.

Another important way I stayed connected to home was by carrying my roots with me in everything I do. Whether it’s organizing outreach events for nonprofits, mentoring younger students, or simply living my day-to-day life, I bring the values and culture of Hawaii with me. I speak the way I grew up speaking, treat people with aloha, and share my culture with others to educate and build understanding. In many ways, spreading that sense of aloha has helped me not only stay connected to home but also create a new community wherever I go.

Question #7: How do you stay inspired or motivated in your work?

My advice would be: You belong. There’s a tendency to believe that certain careers or industries are oI’ve learned that the path isn’t always easy, it can be challenging and exhausting at times. However if you’re truly passionate about what you do, it’s absolutely worth it. What keeps me motivated is the understanding that even if my work doesn’t seem immediately significant, it could play a crucial role in the future. Someone down the line might build on what I’ve done and make new discoveries that change how we understand the universe.

That sense of contributing to something bigger than myself, creating cutting-edge technologies, and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge keeps me inspired. I also find motivation in knowing that, through my work, I’m giving back—whether it’s by advancing science or serving as a mentor and role model for others. Finding purpose in both scientific discovery and community impact helps me stay grounded and excited about what’s ahead.

Question #8: What is one piece of advice you would tell someone who lacks the confidence to pursue a career similar to yours?

My biggest advice is to remember that the journey will be hard—it’s rigorous, and at times, it may feel isolating, especially if you come from a place with a unique culture or background. But if your passion truly lies in the technical work and discovery, don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and focus on leaving a legacy for future researchers and scientists to build upon.

Even if it doesn’t feel like your work is making a big impact now, I promise you it is. Every discovery, no matter how small it seems, is a stepping stone for future breakthroughs. And if your goal is to work with cutting-edge technologies and give back in a way that feels meaningful to you, then every challenge you face will be worth it in the end. Stay true to yourself, carry your culture and values with pride, and trust that your contributions will make a difference.