Modelling the formation of cosmic structure

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Understanding the formation of cosmic structure, from the first stars at early epochs to the rich array of galaxies and galaxy clusters in the nearby universe, drives many aspects of contemporary astronomy. Recent observations of the relic microwave radiation from early in the universe tightly constrain the form of the tiny initial density fluctuations out of which these structures grew. My research focusses on the critical numerical models of cosmic evolution that connect these initial cosmic ripples with presently observed cosmic populations. Despite simple governing physics, the huge range of scales present and complex gravitational and hydrodynamic interactions means that detailed predictions require the indispensable experimental laboratory provided by numerical simulation.