Rongmon Bordoloi
Associate Professor
I am an observational astrophysicist specializing in the study of galaxy evolution. My research revolves around tracking the evolution of galaxies by observing the cosmic baryon cycle, which involves the cycling of diffuse gas into and out of galaxies. Understanding the cosmic baryon cycle is crucial as it plays a vital role in regulating star formation within galaxies and governs how galaxies accumulate mass. These diffuse gas reservoirs, located outside galaxies, hold a significant portion of the Universe's missing baryons.
To delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, my team utilizes cutting-edge ground-based instruments such as Keck, VLT, and Magellan, alongside space-based telescopes like HST and JWST. Furthermore, we employ the remarkable phenomenon of gravitational lensing to enhance these state-of-the-art telescopes. By leveraging gravitational lensing, we can effectively transform it into a telescope itself, enabling us to zoom in and study the early history of the Universe.
In addition to my primary research interests, I am also passionate about topics related to the formation of the first galaxies, observational cosmology, and the Fermi Bubbles. Exploring these areas expands our understanding of the Universe and uncovers fascinating insights into its origins.
Graduate Students
Current
Ahmed Shaban (2019 - )
Ahmed is investigating the impact of galactic outflows on galaxy evolution. He is currently focused on using integral field spectrograps (e.g. MUSE, KCWI) to study spatially resolved
outflow from strongly gravitationally lensed galaxies. These unique objects allow one to study the local properties of galactic winds and to trace them back to their original driving sources.
Jack Higginson (2023 - )
Jack is currently delving into the properties of the intergalactic medium (IGM) during the epoch of cosmic reionization. His research focuses on utilizing near-infrared (NIR) quasar spectra to investigate the process of chemical enrichment within the IGM during the early Universe.
Master Students
Undergraduate Students
Alumni
Dr. Bin Liu (2022) [now in Shell].
Bin's PhD research focused on the implementation of cutting-edge machine learning and statistical methods to detect and measure continuum signals in quasar spectra. Using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, Bin aimed to construct the quasar continuum blueward of Ly-alpha at high redshift, a crucial step in understanding the properties of the intergalactic medium during the epoch of cosmic reionization.
To enhance the accuracy of his analyses, Bin incorporated innovative Bayesian machine learning techniques, enabling a more precise characterization of the neutral fraction in the early universe. This approach allowed for valuable insights into the state of the universe during this pivotal period.
Alumni Undergraduate Students
Sean Clark (2022) [PhD candidate in UIUC]
Raj Bhanushali (2021)
Trent Couse (2021)
Rongmon Bordoloi
Associate Professor
I am an observational astrophysicist specializing in the study of galaxy evolution. My research revolves around tracking the evolution of galaxies by observing the cosmic baryon cycle, which involves the cycling of diffuse gas into and out of galaxies. Understanding the cosmic baryon cycle is crucial as it plays a vital role in regulating star formation within galaxies and governs how galaxies accumulate mass. These diffuse gas reservoirs, located outside galaxies, hold a significant portion of the Universe's missing baryons.
To delve into the mysteries of the cosmos, my team utilizes cutting-edge ground-based instruments such as Keck, VLT, and Magellan, alongside space-based telescopes like HST and JWST. Furthermore, we employ the remarkable phenomenon of gravitational lensing to enhance these state-of-the-art telescopes. By leveraging gravitational lensing, we can effectively transform it into a telescope itself, enabling us to zoom in and study the early history of the Universe.
In addition to my primary research interests, I am also passionate about topics related to the formation of the first galaxies, observational cosmology, and the Fermi Bubbles. Exploring these areas expands our understanding of the Universe and uncovers fascinating insights into its origins.
Graduate Students
Current
Ahmed Shaban (2019 - )
Ahmed is investigating the impact of galactic outflows on galaxy evolution. He is currently focused on using integral field spectrograps (e.g. MUSE, KCWI) to study spatially resolved outflow from strongly gravitationally lensed galaxies. These unique objects allow one to study the local properties of galactic winds and to trace them back to their original driving sources.
Jack Higginson (2023 - )
Jack is currently delving into the properties of the intergalactic medium (IGM) during the epoch of cosmic reionization. His research focuses on utilizing near-infrared (NIR) quasar spectra to investigate the process of chemical enrichment within the IGM during the early Universe.
Master Students
Undergraduate Students
Alumni
Dr. Bin Liu (2022) [now in Shell].
Bin's PhD research focused on the implementation of cutting-edge machine learning and statistical methods to detect and measure continuum signals in quasar spectra. Using observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, Bin aimed to construct the quasar continuum blueward of Ly-alpha at high redshift, a crucial step in understanding the properties of the intergalactic medium during the epoch of cosmic reionization.
To enhance the accuracy of his analyses, Bin incorporated innovative Bayesian machine learning techniques, enabling a more precise characterization of the neutral fraction in the early universe. This approach allowed for valuable insights into the state of the universe during this pivotal period.