Astrophysics / astrochemistry / computational
Project ID: 156
Supervisor(s): Maria Cunningham
My Research Interests are:
- Molecular astrophysics: one of my main areas of research is the use of molecular line radiation to investigate the physical conditions and chemistry of molecular clouds, both in the Milky Way and in other galaxies.
- Bioastronomy: bioastronomy and astrobiology are among the most exciting areas of research in science today, bringing together scientists from the disciplines of physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry and biology. My own interests lie in investigating pre-biotic molecules in the interstellar medium, and I am involved in collaborative research with groups in the USA, Chile and Germany.
- Turbulence and energy transfer in the interstellar medium: I am interested in using astronomical observations of the interstellar medium to constrain the turbulent properties, and to determine the effect that turbulence and energy transfer through the interstellar medium have on star formation.
- Using data intensive astronomy together with computational astrophysics to understand the relationship between star formation and the surrounding interstellar medium.
PhD, Honours Projects are possible in any of these areas. Please contact me (maria.cunningham@unsw.edu.au) for more information.