Towards an understanding of galaxy structure and evolution

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The proposed NSERC Discovery Grant will allow me to leverage considerable infrastructure and resources to address major challenges in the formation and evolution of stellar systems, from star clusters and galaxies to clusters of galaxies. This involves designing, executing, and analysing results from state-of-the-art imaging and spectroscopic surveys of nearby galaxies. These surveys require some of the largest telescopes in the world, to which I have had great success in gaining access. My students and I have also made innovative use of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) imaging data and anticipate new results with the upcoming international SDSS MaNGA survey ("Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO"). I have been invited to join MaNGA, a $10M project, in a leadership capacity. This Discovery Grant focuses on the study and calibration of the dynamical properties of galaxies (both observed and simulated), stellar population models, the distribution of visible and dark matter and their interplay, and scaling relations of galaxies over a wide range of masses and environments. Some of these projects include the most complete multi-wavelength mapping over the full extent of any galaxy (Andromeda) and the most extensive dynamical analysis of a population of galaxies (Virgo cluster) to date. Complementary programs (separate grants) include the determination of the physical parameters that control supermassive black hole growth in the center of galaxies, and simulating the stellar motions in individual galaxies at unprecedented resolution with supercomputers. Altogether, these programs address global predictions of cosmologically-motivated galaxy formation models, including lingering differences between models and data. A large fraction of the necessary data, telescope time, and supercomputer access are either in place or guaranteed through confirmed legacy surveys. My deep involvement in large observational programs will continue, as it is pivotal for my students' cutting-edge research. The significance of this research has led to numerous invited lectures and reviews at major research centers, universities, and scientific symposia in Canada and around the world. The training of HQP (30 since 2007) is central to my work and research philosophy; my current and former students publish important research papers and secure some of the most competitive graduate and post-graduate positions world-wide. Most of my papers are published with them, such as the review on "Galaxy Masses" to appear in Reviews of Modern Physics. I have also conceived and implemented an independently-funded training program which provides the opportunity for elite Canadian students to observe and participate in the operation of modern telescope facilities. This unique program in North America is supported by the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and Gemini Observatories. I have organised numerous high profile and influential scientific workshops in Canada and abroad and more are underway. I am also leading a group of undergraduate students towards organising the 50th "Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference" at Queen's University in October 2014. I foster outreach activities (e.g. in my capacity as Queen's Observatory Director, International Year of Astronomy Coordinator, and "Galileo Lecturer" for the Canadian Astronomical Society) and training in pedagogical methods (e.g. as Seminars and Journals Club coordinator, and Graduate Chair). Many of my new students, from within and outside of Canada, contacted me following endorsements by their previous advisors, which speaks to the far-reaching impact of this research and my outreach efforts. This Discovery Grant will support a minimum of ten undergraduate students, four masters students, and five doctoral students.