Towards a detailed understanding of galaxy structure and evolution

这个发现基金（DG）解决了宇宙学驱动的星系形成模型的全球预测，重点是星系动力学特性（观测和模拟）的研究和校准，星系的尺度关系及其约束暗物质性质的能力，星系中可见物质和暗物质的分布，以及数值模拟是否准确地再现了我们自己的星系，并具有预测能力。这个DG的主要目标之一是完成有史以来第一次对星系动力学的有限体积均匀普查，从最大的星系到微小的矮星。只有进行这种完整而严格的调查，才能准确地测试最新的星系形成模型和模拟。我的方法遵循多方面的方法：1)解决关于星系结构和形成的基本问题；Ii)确保和分析所有环境下星系最可靠和最相关的多波长信息；Iii)利用星系形成的半解析和流体动力学模拟；Iv)将模拟数据和观测数据进行对比，以改进描述它们的模式，弥合观测与理论之间的差距；v)将优秀的同事和学生聚集在一起，作为一个团队工作，激发新的发现。并行程序包括：(i)确定控制星系中心超大质量黑洞生长的物理参数；（ii）培训加拿大和国际HQP如何在世界上一些最大的望远镜上进行观测计划；（iii）与麦克唐纳研究所共同开展天文学、粒子天体物理学和科学素养方面的广泛推广项目；（四）通过国际会议和高影响力审查促进及时和有影响力的科学辩论。这项研究的重要性已经转化为世界各地主要研究中心、大学和科学研讨会的许多受邀演讲和评论。HQP的培训（41人，男性21人，女性20人）是我工作和研究理念的核心。事实上，这笔拨款和我的整体研究工作的大部分是为了支持、培训和授权HQP。我所有的论文都至少有一位现任或前任学生参与。我的学生发表了被广泛引用的研究论文，获得了有竞争力的研究生和研究生奖学金，以及在STEM相关领域或外展领域的长期就业。自2004年以来担任天文学研讨会和期刊俱乐部协调员，自2009年以来担任物理学研究生主席，我在我们部门培养了一个充满活力的研究环境。我安排的外展活动（例如，作为女王天文台主任、加拿大天文学会的“西星讲师”和麦克唐纳研究所的助理）进一步加强了这一努力。该发现基金将支持至少10名本科生，7名硕士和5名博士生。

This Discovery Grant (DG) addresses global predictions of cosmologically-motivated galaxy formation models, with a focus on the study and calibration of galaxy dynamical properties (observed and simulated), the scaling relations of galaxies and their ability to constrain the nature of dark matter, the distribution of visible and dark matter in galaxies, and whether numerical simulations reproduce galaxies like our own accurately, and have predictive power. One of the major goals of this DG is to complete the first-ever volume-limited homogeneous census of the dynamics of galaxies from the most massive ones to tiny dwarfs. Only with complete and rigorous surveys of this kind can the latest models and simulations of galaxy formation be accurately tested. My methodology follows a multi-faceted approach to: i) address fundamental questions about galaxy structure and formation; ii) secure and analyze the most reliable and relevant multi-wavelength information for galaxies in all environments; iii) harness semi-analytical and hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation; iv) contrast the simulated and observed data against each other to improve the models that describe them and bridge the gap between observations and theory; and v) bring together outstanding colleagues and students to work as a team and spark new discoveries. Parallel programs include: (i) the determination of the physical parameters that control super-massive black hole growth in the center of galaxies; (ii) training Canadian and international HQP about conducting observational programs on some of the largest telescopes in the world; (iii) developing with the McDonald Institute an extensive outreach program in astronomy, particle astrophysics, and science literacy; and (iv) facilitating timely and influential scientific debates via international conferences and high impact reviews. The significance of this research has translated into numerous invited lectures and reviews at major research centers, universities, and scientific symposia around the world. The training of HQP (41 listed; 21 males, 20 females) is central to my work and research philosophy. Indeed, the bulk of this grant and my overall research efforts is to support, train, and empower HQP.  All of my papers include at least one current or former student. My students publish well-cited research papers and secure competitive graduate and post-graduate scholarships, as well as long-term employment in STEM related fields or outreach. As the Astronomy Seminars and Journals Club coordinator since 2004, and Physics Graduate Chair since 2009, I foster a vibrant research environment in our department. The outreach activities that I arrange (e.g. as Queen's Observatory Director, "Westar Lecturer" for the Canadian Astronomical Society, and McDonald Institute associate) further enhance this effort. This Discovery Grant will support a minimum of ten undergraduate, seven Masters, and five doctoral students.