 |
 |
 |
|
|
||
| Interview with Desika Narayanan | ||||
|
Q: What is the focus and direction of your research?
I study the star forming molecular ISM in galaxies -- both local and at high redshift. Using numerical models, I try to understand how one can use molecular emission properties of active galaxies to understand star formation and black hole growth during the height of galaxy formation. Q: How have the facilities and personnel resources at the CfA furthered your research project? There are experts in almost every field at the CfA. But beyond that, most people are really friendly and willing to share what they know with you. In that sense, it has been an amazing place to find answers to almost every question I have. Also, I have had great discussions. The computational resources are unrivaled so it has been particularly helpful to have basically as many processors as I need to run simulations. Q: How has your particular research area evolved since you have arrived at the CfA? Again, there is so much going on here, it is hard not to dip your hands into a bunch of varied projects. In the few months that I have been here, I expanded my work into a few observational projects, as well as the study of smaller scale phenomena -- like star formation on cloud scales versus galaxy-wide scales. It is interesting to expand the sphere of what I learned in graduate school to other complementary methods and subjects.
Q: What is a typical day like for you? During the school year I do the same thing I think most postdocs do -- I do some research; I go to some talks; I meet with my group; I meet with collaborators; I do some more research; I read some papers; I play some basketball; and I check my email. Q: How much interaction do you have with other divisions within the CfA? I have been trying to go to talks in other divisions when possible, especially the radio division. My research is really complementary to most of the observational projects they are interested in at the SMA, so it has been instructive to chat with them and hear their opinion on different subjects. Q: How would you describe the community at the CfA in terms of research and social activity? It is very social considering it is so big. It is a really good mix of people who work really hard, but know how to relax at the right time. |
|||
|