CAREER: Obscuration of Active Galactic Nuclei and the Starburst Connection

提案ID：AST-0237391机构：University of Bucky PI：Levenson，NancyDr. Nancy Levenson被授予肯塔基州大学的职业资助，用于研究和教育的综合计划，以研究活动星系中尘埃的遮蔽和由此产生的能量再加工，最终揭示其中央引擎的内在吸积动力。 她和她的学生将观察附近被遮蔽的活动星系核（AGN）样本，有三个具体目标：（1）测量遮蔽区域的局部物理条件和物质分布;（2）识别AGN的可靠特征，即使它们被强烈遮蔽;（3）揭示环核星爆和AGN之间的联系。这项工作将使用X射线和红外能量的光谱学和成像，特别是考虑到强烈的遮蔽和强烈的星星形成的影响，这可以显着改变净发射。相关的教育计划将提高肯塔基州大学本科天文学的浓度，改善非科学家的教育，并通过研究培养学生的能力。Levenson将通过创建一个中级天体物理学课程，增加学生参与研究，并制作有关该计划的新宣传，提高天文学浓度的有效性。在科学和非科学专业的教学中，她将应用强调主动学习的有效教学法，如协作学习，同伴指导和指定写作。最后，Levenson博士将指导本科生和研究生，指导他们在研究项目中的工作。

Proposal ID: AST-0237391Institution: University of KentuckyPI: Levenson, NancyDr. Nancy Levenson is awarded a CAREER grant at the University of Kentucky for an integrated program of research and education to study the obscuration by dust and resulting reprocessing of energy in active galaxies, ultimately revealing the intrinsic accretion power of their central engines. She and her students will observe nearby samples of obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN) with three specific objectives: (1) to measure the local physical conditions and distribution of material in the obscuring regions; (2) to identify reliable signatures of AGN, even when they are strongly obscured; and (3) to reveal the connection between circumnuclear starbursts and AGN. This work will use spectroscopy and imaging at X-ray and infrared energies, specifically considering the effects of strong obscuration and intense star formation, which can alter the net emission significantly. The related educational program will enhance the undergraduate astronomy concentration at the University of Kentucky, improve the education of non-scientists, and develop students' abilities through research. Dr. Levenson will increase the effectiveness of the astronomy concentration by creating an intermediate-level astrophysics course, increasing student involvement in research, and producing new publicity about the program. In teaching both science and non-science majors, she will apply effective pedagogies that emphasize active learning, such as collaborative learning, peer instruction, and assigned writing. Finally, Dr. Levenson will mentor undergraduate and graduate students, directing their work in the research program.