Prof. Manda Banerji holds dual roles as Professor of Astrophysics in the Astronomy Group and Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton. She earned a Physics BA from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Astrophysics from University College London. Her research focuses on galaxy evolution, active galactic nuclei, and wide-field survey techniques. Her current projects include studying quasar feedback mechanisms, multiwavelength survey analysis, and AGN spectral modeling funded by the Royal Society and STFC. Notable collaborations involve the LSST telescope and 4MOST spectroscopic survey initiatives. She supervises three PhD students and has extensive postdoctoral fellowship experience from STFC and the Royal Society. Recent publications (2022-2025) explore quasar emission line dynamics, AGN outflow models, and transient accretion events observed via ALMA, XMM-Newton, and optical surveys. Her work bridges observational astronomy with computational modeling to understand black hole-galaxy co-evolution.
Adam D. Myers is a Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Wyoming, where he conducts cutting-edge research in astronomy and cosmology with a particular focus on quasar studies and the large-scale structure of the universe. His work is heavily involved with the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) project, contributing to multiple aspects of this major cosmological survey. Dr. Myers' research program centers on studying the distribution of quasars across cosmic history, with specific expertise in constraining cosmological parameters, analyzing galaxy clustering patterns, and developing advanced statistical methods for quasar identification. His work bridges observational astronomy with sophisticated computational techniques, making significant contributions to our understanding of cosmic evolution. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate extensive involvement in DESI-related research, spanning data analysis, methodology development, and cosmological interpretation. The breadth of his work includes quasar identification algorithms, Baryon Acoustic Oscillation measurements, and investigations of the circumgalactic medium. Dr. Myers has secured substantial research funding from premier scientific organizations: National Science Foundation through the AST division using EPSCoR and Extragalactic Astronomy programs Department of Energy's Office of High Energy Physics via the Cosmic Frontier program (award DE-SC0019022) NASA through ADAP, AISR, and EPSCoR programs, including support for Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope research Alexander von Humboldt Foundation as a Senior Research Fellow at the Max-Planck-Institut für Astronomie As an educator, Dr. Myers teaches astronomy courses at the University of Wyoming and actively engages in communicating complex astronomical concepts to students and the public, reflecting his commitment to both research and education in the physical sciences.
Mandy Chen is an observational astronomer affiliated with the California Institute of Technology and the Carnegie Observatories. She earned her PhD in 2024 from the University of Chicago under Prof. Hsiao-Wen Chen. Her research focuses on the cosmic baryon cycle, particularly the dynamics and properties of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) around galaxies, utilizing integral-field spectroscopy from instruments like VLT/MUSE and JWST/NIRSpec. She is a core member of the Cosmic Ultraviolet Baryon Survey (CUBS) collaboration, contributing to studies of quasar nebulae, turbulence in CGM, and galaxy feedback processes. Her work combines observational techniques with advanced data analysis, including gravitational lensing modeling and machine learning applications. Key projects include analyzing 3D IFU datacubes to study CGM emission, investigating turbulence drivers in obscured quasars, and exploring the interplay between AGN activity and galaxy evolution. She has presented her research at institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Ohio State University. Chen is also actively involved in software development for astronomical data analysis, with GitHub repositories focusing on emission line fitting, spectral visualization tools (fitviz), and deep learning applications in astrophysics (DeepNoise). Her research interests extend to diversity and inclusion in STEM, reflecting her background growing up in Guizhou, China, and her education at the University of Hong Kong and the University of Chicago.
Jessica Werk is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Astronomy at the University of Washington. She holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Michigan (2010) and a B.A. in Astronomy and Physics from Wesleyan University (2003). Her research focuses on the extended gaseous components of galaxies, particularly the ionized gas in galactic halos and disk-halo interfaces, using optical/ultraviolet spectroscopy from ground- and space-based telescopes. She collaborates with theorists to refine cosmological simulations (e.g., UW N-body shop models) and interpret observational data. Her work explores galactic ecosystems, tracing baryonic cycling across stellar and intergalactic scales. She leads the SQuAD team, which emphasizes student-driven research in quasar absorption line analysis and cosmic origin studies. Not currently accepting new graduate students. Outside academia, she enjoys mountain hiking, duplicate bridge, and singing Puccini arias with her dog.
Jussi Ahoranta is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Helsinki. His research focuses on X-ray spectroscopy, intergalactic medium studies, and the distribution of baryonic matter in the universe. He has conducted extensive work using data from XMM-Newton, Chandra, and other observatories to analyze absorption lines in quasars and galaxy groups. Key collaborations include the University of Alabama Huntsville (2016 visits) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (2016). His doctoral thesis (2023) explored high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of warm-hot baryons in intergalactic space. Research interests span cosmological structures, galaxy evolution, and the application of advanced spectroscopic techniques. He has contributed to projects like the COSMOS survey and EAGLE simulations, focusing on WHIM (Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium) detection and galaxy group kinematics.
Catherine Grier is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, affiliated with the Department of Astronomy. She conducts research on supermassive black holes and quasars using optical spectroscopy and reverberation mapping, with a focus on quasar variability and broad absorption lines. Active galactic nuclei Supermassive black holes Reverberation mapping Quasar variability Quasar broad absorption lines Optical spectroscopy Sloan Digital Sky Survey
Joseph F. Hennawi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he conducts research at the intersection of observational and theoretical cosmology using cutting-edge astronomical facilities. His research focuses on: Dark matter characterization through gravitational lensing Cosmic microwave background radiation analysis Spectroscopy of intergalactic and circumgalactic medium High-redshift quasar and galaxy evolution Rare astrophysical object identification via large-scale sky surveys He specializes in mining databases containing hundreds of millions of celestial objects to discover unique laboratories for testing fundamental physics, while conducting observations with the world's most powerful telescopes. Dr. Hennawi leads the ENIGMA research group at UCSB, dedicated to studying diffuse gas structures in cosmic environments using quasar absorption line techniques, with ongoing research into the intergalactic and circumgalactic medium.
Yuma Sugahara is an Assistant Professor at Waseda University's School of Advanced Science and Engineering , Department of Physics. Previously held research positions at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Waseda's Research Institute for Science and Engineering. Specializes in astronomy with focus on extragalactic astronomy , particularly high-redshift galaxy evolution, starburst processes, and interstellar medium dynamics during cosmic reionization. PhD from University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science (2020) Master's from University of Tokyo Graduate School of Science (2017) Bachelor's from Kyoto University Faculty of Science (2015) Research employs JWST , ALMA , and Keck observations to study: Major mergers and starburst-induced morphological disturbances Dust temperature evolution across cosmic time Ionization parameter diagnostics for reionization-era galaxies Primordial galaxy analogs in local extremely metal-poor systems Key contributions include 15+ refereed publications as co-author on: High-redshift galaxy dynamics (z > 7) Quiescent galaxy formation pathways Outflow characterization in low-mass systems Multi-wavelength spectral energy distribution analysis
Prof. Dr. Philipp Richter is a Full Professor and Chair for Astrophysics at the Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, Germany. He leads the Astrophysics research group at the University of Potsdam, focusing on interstellar and intergalactic gas, galaxy evolution, and observational cosmology. His work involves using absorption spectroscopy in UV and optical regimes to study the circumgalactic medium and intergalactic medium at various redshifts. Dr. Richter's educational background includes: PhD in Astronomy, University of Bonn, Germany (1999) Diploma in Physics, University of Bonn, Germany (1997) Studies of Physics and Astronomy at Universities of Marburg and Bonn, Germany (1994-1999) Abitur, Gymnasium Philippinum, Marburg, Germany (1991) Dr. Richter's research focuses on the properties of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) around galaxies and the intergalactic medium (IGM) that fills the Cosmic Web. His work employs absorption spectroscopy in the UV and optical regimes to study hydrogen and metal ions in the CGM and IGM at all redshifts. These absorption-line measurements are complemented with emission observations in radio, X-ray, and optical wavelengths. He also utilizes state-of-the-art numerical hydrodynamical simulations to compare with observational results. His research spans galaxy evolution, interstellar medium physics, and observational cosmology. Analysis of Dr. Richter's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the circumgalactic and intergalactic medium, with particular attention to the Magellanic Stream, galaxy halos, and high-redshift absorption systems. His work combines observational data from instruments like HST/COS with theoretical modeling to understand gas flows in galaxy evolution. Key themes include metallicity patterns, ionization states of gas, and the connection between observed absorption features and large-scale cosmic structure. Dr. Richter has received several prestigious awards: Teaching-Excellence Award, Faculty of Science, University of Potsdam (2022) Erskine Fellowship, University of Canterbury, NZ (2018) Ludwig-Biermann Award for early excellence in astrophysical research, Astronomische Gesellschaft, Germany (2005) Emmy-Noether fellowship/award for early research excellence, DFG (German science foundation) (2003) As an educator and mentor, Dr. Richter supervises PhD students including Sietske Bouma, Mitali Damle, and Kirill Makan. He teaches a variety of courses in Astrophysics such as fundamental astrophysics, cosmology, galaxy evolution, and interstellar medium as part of the physics/astrophysics bachelor/master programs. He also supervises astrophysics lab courses and seminars, and teaches experimental physics for geo-science students. Dr. Richter has played a significant role in university management, having served as director/deputy director of his department for many years, led committees for appointing professors in astrophysics, and developed the international master program in astrophysics at the University of Potsdam. Dr. Richter leads the Astrophysics research group at the University of Potsdam, which includes senior scientists, postdocs, and PhD students. The group is involved in various observational projects using telescopes and space-based instruments. They maintain close collaborations with other research institutions and participate in international research initiatives focused on galaxy evolution and the intergalactic medium.
Dr. Peter Weilbacher is a Scientific Staff member at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), working within the 3D and Multi Object Spectroscopy research group. His work focuses on integral field spectroscopy and its application to various astronomical objects including starburst galaxies, interacting and merging galaxies, and dwarf galaxies. Dr. Weilbacher specializes in integral field spectroscopy with particular expertise in data reduction methods and software . His research interests span galaxy evolution studies, instrument development, and data visualization techniques. He has made significant contributions to major astronomical instrumentation projects, particularly the MUSE spectrograph where he designed its data reduction software and wrote most of the code. His recent publication record demonstrates expertise across multiple domains of observational astrophysics, with a strong emphasis on using integral field spectroscopy to study galaxy structures, kinematics, and evolution. His work spans from nearby galaxies like the Orion Nebula and Antennae Galaxy to distant quasars and the circumgalactic medium, showing both depth in specific systems and breadth across cosmic time. Dr. Weilbacher is currently leading AIP's contribution to the development of the BlueMUSE integral-field spectrograph while also contributing to the commissioning of the 4MOST spectrograph and studies for the Wide-Field Spectroscopic Telescope. His work bridges instrumental development with cutting-edge astrophysical research, making him a key figure in advancing observational capabilities in extragalactic astronomy.
Dr. Ismael Pessa serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), embedded within the Galaxies and Quasars research section. His work leverages cutting-edge instrumentation including the MUSE integral field spectrograph and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to investigate galaxy evolution across cosmic time. His research portfolio centers on: Galaxy formation and evolution mechanisms Stellar kinematics and angular momentum in galactic disks Circumgalactic medium properties through absorption/emission line studies Lyman-α radiation transport in galaxy halos Star formation feedback processes in molecular gas Recent publications reveal strong engagement with major observational campaigns like PHANGS and the MUSE eXtremely Deep Field, with emphasis on high-resolution spatial analysis of stellar populations, gas dynamics, and dust physics in nearby and high-redshift systems. His collaborative work spans multiple international teams focused on extragalactic astrophysics. Based at AIP's Potsdam campus (office LH/1-20), Dr. Pessa actively contributes to the Galaxies and Quasars research group's mission of advancing extragalactic astronomy through multi-wavelength observational studies and data-intensive analysis techniques.
