Research

Here are snapshots of some of the different research projects that I'm involved in. For more details, you can see Talks Papers
	Searching for Intracluster Light Using both the KPNO 2.1m telescope and the Case Burrell Schmidt, we are conducting a deep imaging survey of clusters and groups of galaxies, to detect and quantify the structure of the diffuse intracluster starlight as a function of cluster type. Collaborators: John Feldmeier, Heather Morrison, Paul Harding
	Simulating the Formation of the Intracluster Light Using N-body simulations of galaxies in a collapsing galaxy cluster, we are studying how and when the intracluster light forms, and quantifying its spatial and kinematic structure. Collaborators: Cameron McBride, John Feldmeier, John Dubinski
	Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Merging Galaxies We are using the Hubble Space Telescope to study the evolution of galactic nuclei during interactions and mergers of galaxies. Collaborators: Roeland van der Marel, Joern Rossa, Seppo Laine, Joris Gerssen, Dave Axon, John Hibbard, Torsten Boker, Ann Zabludoff, Josh Barnes, Lars Hernquist.
	Simulations of Merging Galaxies Using N-body simulations, we're studying the detailed evolution of interacting and merging galaxies, studying how collisions trigger starbursts and active nuclei, and how tidal debris can be used to study the structure of galaxies. Collaborators: Lars Hernquist, John Dubinski, Kelly Holley-Bockelmann
	The Evoloution of Triaxial Ellipticals Harboring Central Black Holes A massive black hole at the center of galaxies can influence the orbits of stars and alter the global structure of the galaxy. We have used N-body simulations to quantify this effect and study the orbital structure of triaxial elliptical galaxies with and without black holes. Collaborators: Kelly Holley-Bockelmann, Steinn Sigurdsson, Lars Hernquist, and Colin Norman
	Observational Studies of Interacting Galaxies Using a variety of ground-based telescopes, we are studying the kinematics and morphology of colliding galaxies to unravel the evolutionary history of interacting systems. Collaborators: Greg Bothun, John Hibbard, Pat Durrell, John Feldmeier, George Jacoby, and Robin Ciardullo.
	Web-based JavaLabs for Astronomy Education We are developing a variety of web-based resources which allow students to run computer simulations and use real astronomical datasets in an interactive and collaborative environment. Collaborators: Greg Bothun