Tue 01/30/2018

Recent advances in modeling the galaxy—halo connection have dramatically expanded the predictivity of data-driven approaches to galaxy formation modeling. Traditional empirical models such as abundance matching only trade in highly simplified quantities, such as the mean stellar-to-halo mass relation. The emerging generation of empirical models can now provide tight constraints on the full star-formation history of galaxies, as well as the evolution of galaxy size and morphological structure. In this talk, I will review recent developments in the field of the galaxy—halo connection that enable this new level of predictivity. I will present new results on the role of galaxy mergers in building up the bulge and disrupting the disk, and also on the regulation of galaxy size by dark matter halo formation history.