Alumna, Richardson co-author peer-reviewed article on starburst galaxies

Elon University physics major Helen Meskhidze '16 co-authored a research publication with Assistant Professor of Physics Chris Richardson for the journal Astrophysics and Space Science

Former Lumen Scholar and SURE participant Helen Meskhidze ’16 recently published her honors thesis work focused on simulations of starburst galaxies.

The peer-reviewed article titled, “An atlas of star-forming galaxy equivalent widths” was accepted into the Journal of Astrophysics and Space Science featuring her research mentor, Assistant Professor of Physics Chris Richardson, as a co-author.

The paper provides a vast suite of simulations run on supercomputers in San Diego that guide observers in their interpretation of phenomena occurring in exotic types of galaxies. The article also predicts observations that have not yet occurred with the James Webb Space Telescope scheduled to launch next year, making an important statement about future astrophysical science.

Helen Meshkidze is now attending the University of California-Irvine to pursue a doctorate in the philosophy of science.