Research Interests

My research interests are in galaxy formation and evolution. What is the movement of stars telling us about how galaxies formed? What is the fraction of young vs. old stars telling us about how galaxies evolve? What is the role of dark matter in the life history of galaxies?

My research is based on observations done in state-of-the-art telescopes (the Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck 10 meter telescopes, above). Students working with me apply the physics learned in class into real research projects. They learn programming and big data analysis techniques they can later apply in a wide range of professional careers.

Physics 39 Physics of Music

Physics 41 Astronomy

Physics 105 Optics

Physics 141 Cosmology

Physics 151 Advanced Laboratory