I specialize in analyzing the shapes and internal motions of galaxies observed when the Universe was roughly half its current age. By comparing these galaxies’ characteristics to those of local galaxies, I aim to pinpoint the physical processes that most strongly affect galaxy evolution. While I am interested in galaxy evolution in all density environments, I am particularly focused on galaxy groups, as this environment is relatively common in the Universe. I am a member of the DEEP (Deep Extragalactic Evolutionary Probe), AEGIS (All-wavelength Extended Groth strip International Survey) and CATS (Center for Adaptive optics Treasury Survey) collaborations.
I am committed to educating students of diverse backgrounds, and to bringing authentic research experiences to the classroom. As an NSF AAPF, I developed and taught an intensive 6-day summer “short course” at Hartnell College, a minority-serving community college in Salinas, CA. A major component of this course is an inquiry-based extragalactic research project in which students are encouraged to raise their own questions, develop investigations, and share their conclusions by writing abstracts and giving poster presentations. I am also a lead instructor for the Center for Adaptive Optics Professional Development Program.