I am an observational extragalactic astronomer who specializes in ground- and space-based imaging and spectroscopy.
My research focuses on active galactic nuclei, supermassive black hole mass measurements, black hole scaling relationships, and AGN host galaxies.
For a recent summary of some of the research activities in my group, please see my summer 2021 talk for the International AGN Seminar Series.
Learn MoreAtlanta, GA 30303 USA
Ask the Astronomers Live! "Hunting Monster Black Holes" [recording]
2020 Universe Unplugged
Panel discussion, "Our Universe: A continuous evolution"
2020 Dahlonega Science Festival
WABE Presents: Ask A Scientist panel discussion and Q&A event
2018 Atlanta Science Festival
Meeting with Rep. Yoder (R-KS) at the US Capitol
2018 AAS Congressional Visit Day
STEM Gems Interactive Panel Discussion
2018 Atlanta Science Festival
Speaking with Chesley McNeil from Atlanta's 11 Alive on live television
2017 "Out-A-Sight" Total Solar Eclipse Party, Rabun Gap, GA
Panel discussion after screening "Into the Unknown", a documentary produced by Northrup Grumman about the James Webb Space Telescope
2017 Atlanta Science Festival
Equations, Merging Black Holes, and Gravitational Waves discussion about the LIGO discovery of gravitational waves
2016, e-brik Coffee House
2021 - Present
Notable Service:
AAS Publications Committee, Chair (2023-2025)
AAS Publications Committee, Deputy Chair (2022-2023)
Honors:
Margaret Burbidge Visiting Professorship, UC San Diego (2021)
2016 - 2021
Notable Service:
NASA COPAG Executive Committee (2017-2020)
GSU Physics and Astronomy Executive Committee (2017-2020)
Honors:
Carl R. Nave Award for Outstanding Teaching, GSU Society of Physics Students (2020)
GSU Outstanding Faculty Achievement Award (2019)
College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior Faculty (2018)
2010 - 2016
Notable Service:
NASA Roadmap Committee (2013)
Honors:
College of Arts and Sciences Oustanding Junior Faculty (2014)
College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Early Career Award (2013)
StateStats.org Top 20 Women Professors in Georgia (2013)
National Science Foundation CAREER Awardee (2013)
2009 - 2010
2007 - 2009
2005 - 2007
The Ohio State University
PhD Advisor: Bradley M. Peterson
Dissertation: "Black Hole Scaling Relationships: New Results from Reverberation Mapping and Hubble Space Telescope Imaging"
Honors: Allan Markowitz Graduate Award for Excellence in Observational Astronomy (2006)
2002 - 2005
The Ohio State University
Research Advisors: Patrick S. Osmer, Bradley M. Peterson
Honors: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2004)
2nd Place, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Hayes Graduate Research Forum (2004)
Ohio State University Graduate Fellowship (2002)
1998 - 2002
University of Washington
Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Inductee (2002)
Baer Prize for Undergraduate Excellence in Astronomy (2001)
NASA Space Grant Scholar (1998-2002)