About Me

Hello! I’m Eliza Diggins, a theoretical astrophysicist and Ph.D. student at the University of California, Berkeley. My research focuses on the dynamics of large structures in the universe and what they can tell us about fundamental physics like the nature of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy. I combine high-resolution simulations of the universe with observational data and analytical methods to study these connections between our universe and the laws that govern it.

Before joining the department at Berkeley, I was based at the University of Utah, where I earned my undergraduate degrees in Physics and Mathematics and held dual research roles in both the Department of Physics and Astronomy as a Parmley Fellow, and in the School of Dentistry as a Wilkes Climate Scholar.

Beyond my research, I am very passionate about physics education, science communication, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities in STEM. I give frequent public talks on various topics in astrophysics, often as part of the Astronomy on Tap series. I am also an avid outdoors enthusiast, and enjoy hiking, climbing, and whitewater rafting in my free time.

My Research at a Glance

One of the most exciting aspects of astrophysics is its reliance on a broad spectrum of fundamental physics—from quantum mechanics and plasma physics to fluid dynamics and general relativity. My research spans multiple scales and systems, using astrophysics as a lens to understand the laws that govern the universe and, in turn, using those laws to deepen our understanding of the systems we observe. I work across theory, computation, and data analysis—developing numerical tools, running large-scale simulations, and applying analytical methods to study phenomena such as galaxy clusters, cosmic structure formation, plasma microphysics, and the dynamics of astrophysical fluids.

Topics I’m Currently Interested In:

• The nature of astrophysical plasmas, in particular their non-ideal behavior (e.g., turbulence, conduction, viscosity) and the influence these processes have on observable properties of various systems.
• The thermodynamics of hot plasma in galaxy clusters; particularly its influence on X-ray and Sunyaev-Zel’dovich observables.
• The inconsistencies in galaxy cluster cosmology.

Advocacy and Outreach:

Beyond academia, I am deeply committed to building a more inclusive, empathetic, and engaged scientific community. My advocacy work is shaped by both lived experience and a belief that science should be a tool for liberation, not exclusion. I focus on:

• Inclusive Pedagogy: Designing physics curricula that center diverse learners, minimize gatekeeping, and support active learning environments where everyone belongs.
• Science Communication: Translating complex scientific ideas—cosmic structure, machine learning, and beyond—into accessible formats through public talks, writing, and hands-on outreach programs.
• Community Work & Organizing: Actively participating in initiatives that uplift LGBTQIA+, trans, and neurodiverse communities. My work has included:
• Organizing events like Transgender Day of Visibility that center joy and communal care.
• Facilitating peer support spaces in both academic and nonprofit settings.
• Speaking and storytelling in support of queer youth mental health and access to care.