Anna Ogorzalek
Visiting Assistant Research Scientist
What role does feedback from supermassive black holes play in shaping the lives of galaxies? The missing link to answering this question is the hot and diffuse X-ray-emitting gas that makes up gaseous halos surrounding galaxies (Circumgalactic Medium; CGM), galaxy groups and clusters (Intracluster Medium; ICM), as well as the energetic winds driven by accretion in Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Challenging to observe, these environments hold the key to understanding the link between supermassive black holes and their hosts. In my research I study this elusive matter with high resolution spectroscopy, primarily in X-rays and sometimes UV, utilizing advanced plasma and radiative transfer models, and employing novel Bayesian statistical approaches. I use data from current telescopes like Chandra X-ray Observatory, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR, new ones like XRISM, contribute to missions in development like NewAthena, and help shape new NASA astrophysics mission concepts on the SMEX, MIDEX, and Probe scale. Prior to UMD and NASA GSFC, I obtained my PhD in Physics from Stanford University/KIPAC.
Research Centers & Collaborations:
Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science and Technology II
Space Missions
Facilities:
Supercomputing