NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellows

Michael's research focuses on using cosmological simulations to study how galaxies and their supermassive black holes (SMBHs) form and evolve over cosmic time. To this end, he has developed unique computational methods for modeling SMBHs in these simulations. Michael is particularly interested in studying the dynamics of SMBHs in order to make better predictions for current and future gravitational wave detectors. Such predictions are important if we want to utilize gravitational wave data to better understand the co-evolution of supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.

My outreach program represents a three step approach to providing high school age children with exposure to computational astrophysics (and modeling in general) as a field of study prior to college. Working with Yale's Pathways to Science, I plan to develop a lecture series and summer workshop program to teach students about computational astrophysics as well as give them hands on experience analyzing simulation data through the use of virtual reality. The goal of the workshop will be to create an intuitive way for students to explore complicated datasets without requiring advanced mathematical or programming skills. Additionally, I will offer a small number of interested students a summer internship to work on research with me while teaching them basic computer skills and programming. Through informative lectures and hands-on exposure to research, I hope to widen the students' view of what it means to do science while also providing crucial experience that will enable students to seek out and succeed in research as undergraduates.