Quasars are accreting supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies. Their extreme energy output probably has unusual effects on the galaxies around them, but quasars are so luminous in optical light that they almost entirely outshine the surrounding starlight. This makes it very difficult to measure the properties of their host galaxies. We will use infrared observations from space telescopes to characterize the star formation around nearby quasars. The infrared offers a window into quasar host studies because it is less affected by quasar dilution than optical, UV, or X-ray light. With these unique data we aim to reveal the triggers of extreme supermassive black hole accretion and its effects on nearby star formation.
Mentor: Jonathan Trump, Postdoctoral Scholar
Secondary Mentor: Mr. Hassen Yesuf