# CAREER: Pushing the frontiers of galaxy evolution modeling with multi-scale and empirically-constrained hydrodynamic simulations

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Connecticut (CT) · $916,857

## Abstract

The investigator explores how galaxies, supermassive black holes (SMBHs), and the Universe's large-scale structures form and change over time. At the centers of many galaxies are SMBHs, which are billions of times heavier than our Sun and can influence their surrounding galaxies. This research team will develop computer simulations that will lead to a better understanding of galaxies, SMBHs, and the Universe itself. This research will help answer fundamental questions, like how dark matter and dark energy influence the evolution of the Universe. This research will inspire students and the public while creating new opportunities for learning. This project will also support research mentorship programs, computer programming workshops, and a public planetarium show. Through integrated educational and outreach components, this project will also significantly enhance STEM education, ensuring its benefits extend beyond the research program.

The investigator will overcome the limitations of current cosmological hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation by focusing on two key areas: (1) advancing physically predictive models of galaxies at sub-parsec resolution and (2) developing computationally efficient, large-scale simulations that incorporate baryonic physics while satisfying observational constraints. In the first research area, the investigator will integrate detailed interstellar medium physics from the FIRE-3 model with new Lagrangian hyper-refinement techniques to exp

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2442788
- **Awardee organization:** University of Connecticut (CT)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WNTPS995QBM7
- **PI:** Daniel Anglés-Alcázar
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS, OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY
- **Estimated total:** $916,857
- **Funds obligated:** $598,336
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2442788

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2442788, CAREER: Pushing the frontiers of galaxy evolution modeling with multi-scale and empirically-constrained hydrodynamic simulations. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2442788. Licensed CC0.

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