Ph.D. in Astronomy, 1999, UNLP, Argentina, "Dynamical friction in stellar systems"
Current position: Professor (UNLP) / Researcher (IALP-CONICET)
Contact: sofia@fcaglp.unlp.edu.ar
My research work involves the study of galaxies and intergalactic medium in different environments: field, groups and clusters of galaxies. It is mainly based on the use of numerical techniques. I started the research on dynamics of stellar systems during my Ph. D. Thesis. Since 1999, I have been working on topics related to hierarchical galaxy formation within the framework of a Universe dominated by Cold Dark Matter (CDM). The CDM theory provides a remarkably successful description of large-scale structure formation. The actual formation of the luminous parts of galaxies within CDM universes involves many complex physical processes in addition to gravity, such as, shocking and cooling of gas, star formation and energy and chemical feedback. Much of our current understanding of galaxy formation has been learned through semi-analytic models, on which I have gained great experience. My research work is currently focused on chemical and dynamical properties of groups and clusters of galaxies, formation and evolution of dwarf galaxies, environmental effects and impact of feedback from Active Galactic Nuclei on the galaxy population. I have recently started collaborations with GARRA members analyzing non-thermal processes in galaxy clusters.