Understanding the [CII] Deficit

I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Using FIFI-LS onboard SOFIA, we can map the [CII] emission across the disk of nearby galaxies to determine where within a source the [CII] emission is enhanced or missing. Through studies of these nearby galaxy we can therefore constrain the utility of the [CII] line as an indicator of high-redshift galaxy properties and better understand what could be causing the surprising decrease in [CII] emission in infrared-bright sources. My PhD work has focused on using the wealth of data available for the galaxies in the Key Insights in Nearby Galaxies: a Far-Infrared Survey with Herschel, or KINGFISH, program to analyze the [CII] deficit within this sample. The [CII] deficit refers to the decreasing trend in the ratio of [CII] luminosity to total infrared luminosity (TIR), which is especially problematic for those attempting to use the bright [CII] line to measure star-formation rates. My thesis defense can be viewed below!



Alternatively, you can check out my research statement here: Research Statement

Publications

Earlier Work

Before joining in the KINGFISH [CII] project, I briefly worked with the group preparing the Census of the Local Universe (CLU) database. The impetus of this project was to identify all galaxies within 200 MPC for LIGO optical follow-up. As part of this work, I helped preform spectral observations of the H-alpha line at Palomar, WIRO, and APO.

Recent Talks

To help share my research, I have been giving talks and presenting posters over the past few years. Below are some of my recent talks along with pdfs of the accompanying slides or poster.