Research

I am an astronomer/astrophysicist researching galaxies in the Universe. I am particularly interested in investigating how the internal structures we see in some galaxies (the spiral arms, galactic bars and rings) affect and reveal the cosmic history of their host galaxy.

I work with many large collaborations to do this - most recently the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), which is a collaboration of hundreds of astronomers across almost all continents working together to map the Universe. I’m particularly involved in the MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory) part of SDSS, but as the Project Spokesperson I work with all areas of the survey and the scientists to facilitate scientific collaboration and communication.

 I am also part of the Galaxy Zoo project (which is part of the Zooniverse group of Citizen Science Projects). I am the Project Scientist for Galaxy Zoo.

Professional Background

• B.A. Physics, Oxford University (Wadham College)
• M.Sc, Ph.D., Astronomy, Cornell University
• Postdoctoral Appointments, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth
• Senior Lecturer and Reader, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth