I am a Professor in the Astronomy Department and Physics Department at Yale University. My research focuses on the origin and evolution of dwarf galaxies, using these objects to answer fundamental questions in astrophysics and cosmology. My research group uses the world's largest telescopes to study the smallest galaxies in the Universe. I am also faculty director of the REVU Program and serve on the board of the Warrior Scholar Project.
Research
Massive galaxies such as our Milky Way form hierarchically through the merging and accretion of small dwarf galaxies. My group studies the formation, evolution and destruction of dwarf galaxies, from gas-rich systems in isolation to the least luminous, most dark-matter-dominated galaxies orbiting the Milky Way.
- Co-PI, SAGA Survey
- Creator, Keck DEIMOS stellar archive
Teaching
I teach courses on topics including scientific computing, galactic dynamics, orbital mechanics and astrophysics research methods, including my Rocket Science for Everyone series.
- ASTR 3300 — Scientific Computing in Astrophysics
- ASTR 5180 — Galactic Dynamics
- ASTR 4000 — Orbital Mechanics and Mission Design
Experience
- Full Professor, Yale
- Director of Undergrad Studies
Education
- Ph.D., UC Santa Cruz
- B.S., Cornell University