Q: What is the focus and direction of your research?

A: I'm studying a fairly new phenomena that has come from the high resolution X-ray images taken by the Chandra Observatory. The gas in clusters of galaxies constitutes the bulk of the luminous matter in those clusters, even more than the galaxies themselves. Chandra observations of these clusters have revealed sharp edges in the brightness distributions, which were previously thought to be smooth. My goal is to study the possible sources of these edges and to understand the motions of gas which may be causing them.

Q: How have the facilities and personnel resources at the CfA furthered your research project?

A: The CfA has been outstanding in aiding me in my research. The biggest advantage has probably been the wealth of knowledge that's contained in the people you see on a daily basis. It's amazing to have experts in just about every facet of astrophysics just down the hall or around the corner. In addition, the observational facilities (MMT, Magellan and Chandra), and all their associated data archives, have helped me to obtain large quantities of data that would've been much more difficult had I not been at the CfA.

Q: How has your particular research area evolved since you have arrived at the CfA?

A: My research project took a pretty big turn after coming to CfA, as I shortly found out that the project I was planning to work on was already being done by someone else! After sorting this out though, it was definitely for the best, as my current project is both more manageable and more interesting.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?

A: My day usually starts between 8 and 9 in the morning, sorting through email and the like. Once the cart in the lobby opens at 9:30, I grab a coffee and try and pick up where I left off the previous evening with my research. I spend most of the day analyzing my data, sifting through publications, and writing when I have something. I try to attend most of the talks that go on (currently about 3 a week) and will break for lunch either just before or after that. I usually work into the evening, until about 8, but that's mostly because I'm a bit of a workaholic when I'm on a roll.

Q: How much interaction do you have with other divisions within the CfA?

A: I work in the high energy division, but much of my data is in the optical so I've had meetings with many people over in OIR (Optical and Infrared Astronomy). I've also had several interactions with folks from the computing group, the astrostatistics group, and the radio group.

Q: How would you describe the community at the CfA in terms of research and social activity?

A: I can't imagine a better place to do astronomy. The opportunities are unparalleled as far as research, instrumentation and access to knowledge. Everyone I've met at the CfA has been friendly and willing to help me learn new things. There's a sense of community here that I haven't seen elsewhere; a recognition that though we are all working on different projects, there is a common curiosity about nature and the universe that unites us. For a group of scientists, there's a surprising amount of socializing outside of work. In addition to the colloquia, there are several after work venues during the week to have drinks and chat. The best though, has been the community of pre- and post-docs which get together several times a week for random meals and maybe movies/parties on the weekends.