Astrophysics • Science Communication
I am an astrophysicist whose research is focused on the morphology and dynamics of disk galaxies. I also take part in science communication and public outreach activities that increase access to astronomy and science in general. I am currently the Assistant Head of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
My work deals with understanding the evolution of nearby galaxies by studying their different forms and structures. I am especially interested in barred and non-barred spiral galaxies and how their morphology connects to the supermassive black hole they harbor in their nucleus, as well as the enormous halo of dark matter they reside in. I use multi-wavelength imaging data to measure and quantify various observed structures. I also use spectroscopic data to measure the velocities of the gas and stars that make up a galaxy. I make use of both sophisticated and "toy" simulation models that recreate what is observed both through imaging and spectroscopically. Doing so allows me to routinely bridge the gap between the observational and theoretical realms of extragalactic astronomy. Most recently, I helped develop P2DFFT, software that allows the user to isolate and measure the spiral arm pitch angle of galaxies. I am also the leader of the citizen science project, Spiral Graph, where volunteers can help measure the curvature of spiral arms in galaxies.
Some examples of my science communication and public outreach activities include giving talks, co-leading trips, sitting on panels, giving interviews, hosting observing sessions, visiting schools, etc. A detailed list of these activities can be found here. I am also available to talk with groups about my area of astronomy through Skype A Scientist, a non-profit organization. The following links contain the media of some of these activities.