Professor Nelson's research program is centered around galaxy formation and evolution: understanding how the Universe evolved from its uniform state shortly after the Big Bang to the rich diversity of galaxies we see today. She uses cutting-edge observational techniques and cosmological hydrodynamical simulations to understand the physical processes that drive the the structural and kinematic evolution of galaxies and how star formation is regulated. These two fundamental processes in turn provide the strong constraints on theoretical models of galaxy formation.
keywords
Galaxy formation and evolution, galaxy structures and kinematics, star formation, stellar populations, high redshift galaxies, observations, simulations
ASTR 1040 - Accelerated Introductory Astronomy 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2021
Covers principles of modern astronomy summarizing our present knowledge about the Sun, stars, birth and death of stars, neutron stars, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and the organization and origins of the universe. May require nighttime observing sessions at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. Required in ASTR major/minor. Includes a recitation. Taught at a higher intellectual level including a significant amount of quantitative analysis. Same as ASTR 1020 and ASTR 1200.
ASTR 5720 - Galaxies
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020
Highlights the classification, structure, content, dynamics, and other observational properties of galaxies, active galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. Discusses Hubble's Law, the cosmic distance scale,and the intergalactic medium. Department enforced prerequisite: senior level undergraduate physics.
