The hideout of the Astrophysicist

Between quarks and galaxies

«The search for truth is more precious than its possession» - Albert Einstein


My curriculum vitae

Education


PhD in Astrophysics

  • October 2018 - June 2023

Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Master's degree in Astrophysics

  • 2016 - 2018

Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain

Bachelor's degree in Physics

  • 2011 - 2016

Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain

Professional experience


Erasmus+ traineeship

  • March 2018 - June 2018

As a participant in the Fornax3D project, my primary focus was conducting extensive research on four galaxies within the Fornax cluster. The main objective of this research was to gather valuable insights into the early-type galaxies, specifically their evolution and formation. To achieve this, I centered my work on a comprehensive study of the planetary nebulae (PNe) found in FCC 153, FCC 167, FCC 170, and FCC 177. By understanding the luminosity function and kinematics of these PNe, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics. To facilitate my research, I utilised datacubes obtained from the MUSE integral-field unit at the Very Large Telescope. Leveraging my programming skills, I developed a Python code capable of analysing the photometric features of PNe. This analysis allowed us to create a luminosity function, a critical tool used to calculate distances to galaxies and serve as a fundamental standard candle in astronomical studies. Additionally, to further investigate the origins of the PNe, I employed spectral fitting techniques. This enabled me to track the receding velocity of the PNe and compare it with the stellar background. The primary goal here was to determine if the PNe were formed in situ by their parent stellar population or if they were interlopers from outside sources. By combining these methodologies and technologies, I sought to contribute valuable data and insights to the Fornax3D project, ultimately advancing our knowledge of galaxy evolution and formation processes. This research holds great potential for advancing our understanding of the cosmos and the intricate interactions between galaxies and their constituent components.As a participant in the Fornax3D project, my primary focus was conducting extensive research on four galaxies within the Fornax cluster. The main objective of this research was to gather valuable insights into the early-type galaxies, specifically their evolution and formation. To achieve this, I centered my work on a comprehensive study of the planetary nebulae (PNe) found in FCC 153, FCC 167, FCC 170, and FCC 177. By understanding the luminosity function and kinematics of these PNe, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of their characteristics. To facilitate my research, I utilised datacubes obtained from the MUSE integral-field unit at the Very Large Telescope. Leveraging my programming skills, I developed a Python code capable of analysing the photometric features of PNe. This analysis allowed us to create a luminosity function, a critical tool used to calculate distances to galaxies and serve as a fundamental standard candle in astronomical studies. Additionally, to further investigate the origins of the PNe, I employed spectral fitting techniques. This enabled me to track the receding velocity of the PNe and compare it with the stellar background. The primary goal here was to determine if the PNe were formed in situ by their parent stellar population or if they were interlopers from outside sources. By combining these methodologies and technologies, I sought to contribute valuable data and insights to the Fornax3D project, ultimately advancing our knowledge of galaxy evolution and formation processes. This research holds great potential for advancing our understanding of the cosmos and the intricate interactions between galaxies and their constituent components.

Research associate

  • November 2016 - March 2017

During my pursuit of a Master's degree in Astrophysics, two of my classmates and I had the opportunity to collaborate on a specific project alongside Jesús Falcón Barroso from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. Our project involved working with data from the MUSE integral-field unit, which encompassed a diverse variety of galaxies. Initially intended for Supernovae Type Ia analysis, we decided to utilise the datacubes for a different purpose - characterising the stellar kinematics of galaxies on the low signal-to-noise ratio regime.

To achieve this, we employed the penalized-pixel fitting (pPXF) method on the datacubes uncovering intriguing kinematical signatures that had not been explored before on these galaxy sample. These signatures included phenomena like kinematically decoupled cores, stellar bars, and remnants of past galactic mergers.

Supervisor: Jesús Falcón Barroso

Support Astronomer at ING (Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes)

  • October 2021 - October 2022

As a support astronomer awarded, my role involves providing essential assistance and support to the astronomical community in utilising the 2.54-m Isaac Newton telescope effectively for their research. My tasks as a support astronomer included:

  1. Observing Support: I helped astronomers plan and execute their observations using the INT. This involves assisting them in preparing observation proposals, providing technical advice on instrument settings, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the telescope during observation nights.

  2. Instrumentation: Familiarising myself with the various instruments available on the INT and staying up-to-date with any updates or changes to them. I was involved in calibrating and testing instruments to ensure they are in optimal working condition.

  3. Data Reduction and Analysis: Supporting astronomers with data reduction and analysis processes. This include helping them with data processing pipelines, software tools, and techniques to extract meaningful scientific information from the observations.

  4. Troubleshooting: Addressing technical issues and challenges that astronomers might encounter during their observations or data analysis. Troubleshooting involve working closely with telescope operators and instrument scientists to resolve any problems promptly.

  5. Collaboration and Networking: Interacting with the broader astronomical community, both within the organisation operating the INT and externally. This involve collaborating with other researchers, attending conferences, and presenting research findings.

  6. Training and Mentoring: Assisting and mentoring visiting astronomers who might need guidance in using the INT effectively for their research.

Overall, as an INT studentship support astronomer, my contributions were crucial to the successful operation and scientific productivity of the telescope, and I played a significant role in advancing astronomical knowledge and discoveries.


Training courses, conferences and lectures


Training course in cosmological simulations

  • Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 6th - 17th of May 2019

As part of my PhD I have assisted for a training course in cosmological simulations in order to learn how to use the N-body simulation code GIZMO as well as to produce initial conditions of a galaxy model.

  • Supervisor: Dr Massimo Dotti

UKRI-STFC Introductory Course in Astronomy

  • Virtual meeting, 11th - 15th of January 2021

I participated and help in organising the UKRI-STFC Introductory Course in Astronomy on 2021. I also present a poster about my PhD research on the meeting.

EAS meeting 2021

  • Virtual meeting, 28th June - 2nd July 2021

I presented my PhD research on poster format for the EAS 2021 virtual meeting.

Summer School in galaxy formation at AKSS

  • Anargyreos & Korgialeneios School of Spetses, 28th August - 5th September 2019

The scope of the summer school was to provide the participants with a deep background on the formation of galaxies in a cosmological context, from the formation of large scale structures in the Universe to the assemble of galaxies inside dark matter haloes.

A-grade tutorials in Astronomy

  • Armagh Planetarium, 19th of March - 27th of March - 4th of April 2019

I was given tutorial lessons (solve of problems) in Astronomy to A-grade students in Armagh Planetarium.

Talk about: travels in time and wormholes

  • University of La Laguna, March 2018

As part of the weekly talks ''Un fisquito de matemáticas'', my colleage Íñigo Irizar Loibide and me gave a brief outreach talk about travels in time and wormholes.

ESO proposal writting workshop

  • Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, 5th - 8th of March 2020

ESO orginised a workshop to teach participants how to write and submit observational proposals to ESO telescopes at La Silla and Paranal in Chile.

Lectures in Bayesian statistics and analysis

  • Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, 4th - 5th February 2020

Prof. Martin Hendry from Glasgow University gave a 2-days lecture on Bayesian statistics and analysis on Astrophysics.

Invited talk at Max Planck Institute for Astronomy

  • Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), Heidelberg, Germany, 9th February 2023

I gave a talk at MPIA about my work on TNG50 unveiling the survibiability of galaxies with discs in Fornax-like clusters.

Professional skills


  • Office suites:

Microsoft Office, Libre Office and OpenOffice

  • Programming lenguages:

Python, Fortran 77/90, IDL, Mathematica, Julia, MatLab, C/C++

  • Operative systems expertise:

Systems based on Linux kernel (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, Scientific Linux, CentOS), Mac OS X, Windows XP/7/8/10/11

  • Big Data perform and analysis:

Experience analysing and working with Big Data: Python (Pandas, Scikit-learn), SQL.

  • Machine learning:

Familiarity with machine learning techniques for data science: Python (Scikit-learn), R.

  • Parallel computing:

Experience working with supercomputers and high-performance computers: work with Message Passing Interface (MPI) in C/C++, Fortran 77/90 and joblib in Python.

  • Driving license B:

Allowed to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats.

  • Lenguages:

English: First Certificate in English by Cambridge University.

PhD in Astrophysics at Northern Ireland.

1-year studentship at Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes in La Palma working in English

Pablo M. Galán, Astrophysicist, gdapablo93@gmail.com
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