NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellows

The primary focus of my research under this fellowship is the FLAMINGOS Extragalactic Survey, a 10 square degree near-infrared survey within the NOAO Deep Wide Fields. The principal motivation for this program is to study the evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters at z=1-2. Observations at this epoch are critical because the bulk of cluster elliptical galaxies are expected to form at this epoch, and galaxy clusters themselves are expected to be rapidly growing by accretion of smaller mass clusters and groups. In addition, the survey data is designed to complement studies of this region by SIRTF, Chandra, and XMM, thereby serving as a resource to the broader community. More information on the survey can be found on the survey web page. I am also conducting various other research programs to address questions related to both galaxy formation and the formation and evolution of large-scale structure. Please see my website for more information.

I am currently running a public outreach program to partner astronomers with 6th-8th grade teachers in North Central Florida. The program, FLORIDA OutReach for Community Education in Science (FORCES), aims to provide students with first-hand interaction with professional and amateur astronomers. I am also organizing a public astronomy lecture series at the University of Florida that is given in conjunction with the astronomy department's public observing nights. The aim of this lecture series is to expose the general public to recent fundamental discoveries in astrophysics and serve as a forum for discussion of topics currently in the news.