George Mason University

Ferah Munshi

Ferah Munshi is an astrophysicist at George Mason University who builds digital universes to answer one of the biggest questions in science: What is most of the universe actually made of? Using powerful supercomputer simulations, her work explores dark matter—the invisible substance that makes up about 85% of all matter—and how it shapes the galaxies we see today. Munshi’s work also extends beyond understanding the cosmos: she is helping to shape the future of how we explore it. Prof Munshi is a driving force behind efforts to build a university-wide Space Institute at George Mason, a bold, transdisciplinary initiative designed to connect science, engineering, policy, and data science to advance space research, workforce development, and innovation in the National Capital Region.

A passionate educator and advocate for inclusion in STEM, Prof. Munshi is deeply committed to creating spaces where all students can see themselves as scientists. Her teaching and mentorship emphasize accessibility, belonging, and the power of diverse perspectives in advancing discovery. She has been recognized with the College of Science Dean’s Early Career Excellence Award for her contributions to both research and education. Whether speaking about the mysteries of dark matter or the future of space exploration, Prof. Munshi brings a unique perspective that connects cutting-edge science with the human stories behind discovery—and the systems we build to make that discovery possible.

• Belonging Is a Scientific Advantage (Speaker: Ferah Munshi)
• From Classrooms to Cosmos: Building a Space Institute for the Next Generation (Speaker: Ferah Munshi)
• The Universe Is Mostly Missing—and That’s the Point (Speaker: Ferah Munshi)