# LEAPS-MPS: Constraining Cosmology with Galaxy Cluster Shapes: Bridging Theory and Observations for Upcoming Surveys

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI) · $248,928

## Abstract

The current standard model of cosmology -- the Lambda-CDM (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) model -- includes six free parameters that can be measured. Although the measurements have shown incredible agreement with theory, there remain tantalizing “tensions” in some of them that might indicate the Lambda-CDM model is incomplete. A researcher at the University of Hawaii at Hilo will address one of these tensions by developing an independent measurement using galaxy cluster counts and cluster structural properties. She will develop a framework to predict cluster properties from galaxy halo merger histories and cosmological parameters, and she will generate mock galaxy cluster catalogs to complement observations taken with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The project will expand research capacity at UH Hilo by supporting a sustainable undergraduate research program in computational astrophysics, and it will prepare the students for graduate school and STEM careers by involving them in collaborative research at the forefront of cosmology.

The parameter sigma-8 quantifies the amplitude of matter density fluctuations, reflecting the “clumpiness” of the Universe and how galactic structures evolved under gravity. Galaxy clusters form from the gravitational collapse of matter, a process that is influenced by sigma-8 and the related parameter omega-m, the matter density parameter. The PI will develop a semi-analytic modeling framework called CRISP (Cluster Recipes for Intrinsic Structural Par

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532703
- **Awardee organization:** University of Hawaii at Hilo (HI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KEXVZ79F9UU9
- **PI:** Nicole E Drakos
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL ASTROPHYSICS, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $248,928
- **Funds obligated:** $248,928
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532703

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532703, LEAPS-MPS: Constraining Cosmology with Galaxy Cluster Shapes: Bridging Theory and Observations for Upcoming Surveys. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532703. Licensed CC0.

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