We study the nature of Dark Energy and Dark Matter, and related aspects of fundamental physics. Our recent projects have primarily used the tools and techniques of observational astronomy, since these provide us the opportunity to measure the properties of the dark sector where the signal is non-zero. Current projects include: Measuring the expansion history … Continued
Throughout history, observational studies of dying stars and their catastrophic demise in supernova explosions have focused almost entirely on optical data. Despite these traditional studies (6000 supernovae discovered to date) many critical questions remain unanswered, including what transpires in the final stages of stellar life, the basic explosion physics, and which stars give birth to … Continued
I work on the astrophysics of galaxy formation and the interface between forming galaxies and the intergalactic medium. Much of my work is based on the most sensitive spectroscopic observations of distant galaxies, with particular focus on the era between 10 and 12 billion years ago — the peak epoch of galaxy formation. We have … Continued
My research interests address the questions of how galaxies form, evolve, and interact with their intergalactic environments over cosmic time. My group uses telescopes both on Earth and in space to collect images and spectra of extremely distant galaxies. Recently, we performed a large survey of the rest-frame optical spectra of a statistical sample of … Continued
My research focuses on theoretical astrophysics, from planet formation through dynamics of stars in the galactic center to violent explosions like Super Nova, Gamma Ray Bursts and Tidal Disruption Events.
My group’s research is focused on understanding the origin and evolution of the universe through a series of programs to define the observations, experiments, concepts, and simulations needed to answer the fundamental questions in cosmology. Combining experimentation, computation, and theory, our research continues to develop the foundation of an accurate, reliable model of the cosmos. … Continued
I study our own Milky Way galaxy to find out how and why it evolved to what it is today. The evidence is that our Galaxy is a fairly typical spiral galaxy. That means that by studying our home in the universe, we can learn a lot about the evolution of other spiral galaxies like … Continued
I am an astrophysical theorist with interests in a wide variety of problems, including compact objects, plasma astrophysics, stellar physics, and galaxy formation. My research utilizes both analytic calculations and numerical simulations.
I am a theoretical astrophysicist who is developing the conceptual framework needed to understand the violent and capricious nature of the Universe. I use computer simulations to explore transient phenomena such as collisions, mergers, and disruptions of stars – especially those involving compact objects like black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs.
I study the Cosmic Microwave Background, the faint afterglow of the birth of the universe.