My research examines the nature of gas both within and outside of galaxies, primarily during the first few billion years of the universe. The analysis relies on high resolution spectroscopy of distant, intrinsically bright sources (quasars, gamma-ray bursts). In this manner, we use the absence of light to study the metallicity, molecular fraction, depletion, ionization state, and velocity fields of gas in the young universe.... These (primarily) observatonal studies impact our understand of galaxy formation, cosmology, and (occasionally) fundamental physics.

I have also led follow-up studies of transient and bursting sources (gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts) to provide unique insight into the gas within galaxies and beyond. Recently, we have used fast radio bursts to resolve the so-called "missing baryons problem" a 20 year old challenge to detect the majority of normal matter in our universe at present times.

In addition to astrophysics, I am pursuing research in physical oceanograph (and am an affiliate of the Ocean Sciences department).