Clusters of galaxies
I specialise in studying the places in the Universe where galaxies “like to live together”: clusters of galaxies are the most massive knots of the cosmic web, comprised of thousands of galaxies, and vast amounts of gas and dark matter.
X-ray spectroscopy
In these objects, the space between galaxies is filled with a hot, diffuse, mega-kelvin plasma which shines brightly in X-rays. Spectra in this wavelength regime contains a wealth of information about the formation, evolution, and composition of the cosmic web. I am particularly interested in using X-ray spectra to understand how elements like O, Si, or Fe — the building blocks of rocky planets, and essential ingredients for life — are often expelled from the galaxies in which they were originally produced, and enrich the intergalactic space instead.
NewAthena
Break-through discoveries require break-through instrumentation! Since 2024, I am serving at the principal investigator of the Dutch contribution to NewAthena — a large ESA mission that will revolutionise X-ray astronomy in the late 2030s. In this role, I enjoy connecting the technological and scientific challenges, trade-offs and opportunities associated with the development of a new space mission.
