I am a Cosmologist studying the properties of the Universe on the largest scales.
By mapping the positions of millions of galaxies, I investigate the unknown physics of the dark energy which drives the evolution of the Universe today, and the physics just after the Big Bang, when the ripples which grew under gravity to become galaxies were created.
I am actively participating in the key experiments designed to understand dark energy and gravity. I am co-chair of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) lensing working group, and a active member of the Vera Rubin Observatory (LSST) and the Dark Energy Survey (DES). In the past I had lead science with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, one of the major quests of contemporary physics that has spurred advancement in answering a range of fundamental questions about the origins of the universe
I am passionate about communicating top-level research ideas to audiences outside our immediate academic sub-community. I have experience on a variety of media, including radio, public talks and lectures to local schools, science festivals and amateur astronomy groups, outreach activities at Stargazing Live events, as well as through written pieces. I am an advocate for making STEM field accessible to everyone. During my career, I took part into different initiatives aiming to reduce structural barriers faced by different minorities in academia and inspire the next generation of STEM careers. I am part of the Women in Science Association with the aim to foster a community for young women in STEM, within and beyond the academic community. I worked and volunteered at N.G.O. centres, in Italy and Australia supporting young students to overcome educational inequality caused by poverty and other conditions. Since 2021 I am on the Early Career Chapter committee for the Astronomical Society of Australia (ASA) to promote and assist the career development of early and mid-career researchers in the Australian astronomy community. I am also part of the Wellbeing ambassador program at University of Queensland, to promote and assist the career development of early and mid-career researchers in the Australian astronomy community.Research Outputs
A list of my recent publications can be found here.
A list of available projects for honours and PhD at UQ, can be found here.
Upcoming events
Pint of Science Festival
Title: The Bigger Picture @TheBurrow, May 22nd 2023 8pm. Tickets and Info .
5000 eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
@Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, May 18th 2023 6.30pm. Tickets and Info .
Work-Experience week
19th-23rd June, open to Year 11 students. Enquire here.
Recent highlights
New look at 'Einstein rings' around distant galaxies
Check out my latest article on The Conversation on new ways to uncover the mysteries of dark matter.
Solar Eclipse 2023, from Brisbane
Join us for the solar eclipse viewing in the Great Court on campus. We will have solar telescopes and eclipse glasses.
Seminar at the Astronomical Association of Queensland
Title: A 3D map of the Universe to understand the cosmic expansion history. For Zoom details please contact AAQ.
Meet a DESI member
A short interview on What it is like to work in DESI and my life as an astronomer.
Science Meets Parliaments 2022
As one of the Australian Astronomers delegates, I have discussed with Minister Price and MP Ann Stanley how we can build stronger cooperation between scientists and politicians to tackle national challenges.
Inspiring Women in Science and Health 2022
I have been working with a group of Year 10 students to design a ‘change-maker' idea or strategy that could effectively promote or advocate for research in Astronomy.
Australian LSST Workshop 2022
Discussing how the DESI observations will help to realize the primary science goals of the LSST and the advantages of coordinating these surveys to enhance the science goals of each.
Deeper Darker Brighter,
Art exhibition at Town Hall Gallery in Melbuorne - in collaboration with Artist Pamela Bain.
Melbourne Grand Prix 2019
Walking visitors through a virtual reality solar system at the Melbourne Formula 1.
2022 Science Week Festival
A journey into the Universe. From our Solar System to the farthest Quasars.
@Womendoingscience
My work was featured in @Womendoingscience, a social media movement that aim to revisit our collective idea of what a scientist looks like - moving beyond singluar, stereotyped depictions that saturate traditional media.
2022 ASA Annual Meeting
Talking about how we can test gravity with a thirthy-million-galaxy 3D map of the Universe, at the ASA annual scientific meeting (Audio & Slides).
BBC Stargazing Live TV
An evening of astronomy, stargazing, space activities, cosmology chat and talks at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Get In Touch
If you would like to get in touch with me about research, outreach, or any other matters, please use any of the following methods.