As a consequence of the universe expanding. Galaxies that are more distant move increasingly faster away from us. We can use this to our advantage when searching for distant galaxies by looking for those that have had their light shifted red by the Doppler Effect (yes that same effect that causes ambulance sirens to change pitch as they drive by). I use observations of galaxies in 14 coloured bands from 4 different telescopes to model this doppler effect and make estimations of how 'redshifted' they are and hence their distance. While not the most precise method. I use this to narrow down candidate objects that might be at extreme distances to follow up in more detail. Making the search for these objects less of a 'needle in a haystack' problem.

I use these galaxies to study how the most massive and luminous galaxies we see today were built up over time. Because since these "high redshift" galaxies are so far away, the light has taken 90% of the age of the universe to reach our telescopes! Allowing us to witness what they looked like at a very young age.

You can find out more in this poster I made for the Royal Astronomical Society HERE

I am involved in the development of data products for the VIDEO, UltraVISTA & DEVILS observational surveys. This work involves cataloguing around 5.5 million objects in 4 different patches of sky (each patch about 10-20 full moons large). I use modern algorithms to identify objects (stars, galaxies etc) in optical and infrared images and determine the shape and brightness of each object. Using the colours of the galaxy (measured in 14 coloured filters) I estimate redshift/distance as well as the mass and star formation rates of the galaxies.

The above catalogues that I work to produce are not only useful for conducting science right now, but are also very useful for planning future observations with new telescopes and instruments. I am involved with the MIGHTEE & LADUMA surveys with the new MeerKAT radio telecsope (left top) as well as the MOONRISE survey with the new MOONS spectrograph (left bottom).

I work with radio astronomers to find optical matches to their radio galaxies and plan more detailed follow up observations of the more interesting objects we find. In the MOONRISE team I work to provide catalogues of high redshift objects to conduct simulations of observations in order to maximise the efficiency of the instrument before it even gets put on a telescope!