Research

My research covers theoretical and observational topics of extra-galactic astrophysics and cosmology.  My research interests are mainly related to clusters of galaxies and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) with the final goal of understanding better the co-evolution and interplay of galaxies with their Mpc-scale environments

Galaxy Evolution from sub-pc to Mpc scales 

There exists an intrinsic co-evolution between galaxies and i) their super massive engines, ii) their stellar content and active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity, and iii) their large-scale environments. Galaxy clusters are the most massive gravitationally bound structures in the Universe. They are therefore optimal laboratories to study galaxy evolution under extreme conditions. At the center of clusters, there are the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs), which are invariably associated with the most massive galaxies of the Universe as well as radio loud AGNs (in particular radio galaxies), which host the most massive (>100 million solar masses) and most rapidly spinning black holes, that are able to launch collimated jets able to sweep off gas out to Mpc scales. Radio loud AGNs are indeed used to search for distant galaxy clusters and BCGs  and can be used as probes for studies of galaxy evolution in dense environments to unveil the physical mechanisms that shape the properties of galaxies we observe today.  

• How do BCGs form and evolve at the center of clusters? 

• How do super massive black holes grow? 

• What are the main mechanisms that regulate the star formation and the morphological transformations of galaxies in dense environments? 

• How do distant clusters form and evolve?