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Student projects

I supervise BSc and MSc theses as well as research internships. The core scientific goal of these projects is to investigate how galaxies and the large-scale structure of the Universe form and evolve, using cosmological simulations, HPC data analysis, GPU computing, and machine learning. Available topics are listed below. If one of them interests you — or if you have your own idea in a related direction — you are welcome to get in touch.

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Open topics

Find your project

Each topic can be a BSc or MSc thesis or a research internship.

Feedback and baryons

The redistribution of baryonic matter in and around haloes, out to the Closure Radius

How far does feedback push ordinary matter beyond haloes, and why?

  • Supernova and AGN feedback
  • Circumgalactic Medium (CGM)
  • Intracluster Medium (ICM)
  • Intergalactic Medium (IGM)
Read more

According to measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the standard model of cosmology (ΛCDM), about 16% of the universe's matter density is in the form of baryonic matter, with the rest being dark matter. Due to the different physical interactions of these components, their distributions within cosmic structures are not identical. Various physical processes, including energetic feedback from stars (supernovae) and supermassive black holes (AGN), can redistribute baryonic matter beyond the traditional boundaries of dark matter halos, potentially out to a scale known as the closure radius. This redistribution and the physical processes responsible for it are not yet fully understood.

  • Supernova and AGN feedback
  • Circumgalactic Medium (CGM)
  • Intracluster Medium (ICM)
  • Intergalactic Medium (IGM)
  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Large-scale structure
  • Cosmological simulations
  • Closure radius
  • Baryon redistribution
  • X-ray Observations
  • SZ Observations
  • Gravitational Lensing

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, Flamingo, SIMBA …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Feedback and baryons

The Physics of Galaxy Clusters and Groups, Their Outskirts, and Connecting Filaments

What is the hot gas beyond cluster boundaries and in the filaments between them?

  • Galaxy clusters
  • Galaxy groups
  • Halo outskirts
  • Intergalactic Medium (IGM)
Read more

The cosmic web is the large-scale structure of the universe, characterized by a network of interconnected filaments, sheets, and voids. Galaxies, galaxy groups, and clusters are embedded within this web-like structure. Recently, eROSITA observations have discovered the existence of X-ray emitting gas beyond the typical boundaries of galaxy clusters and in filamentary structures connecting galaxy clusters and groups. This project aims to understand different elements of the cosmic web, with a special focus on connecting theory and observations.

  • Galaxy clusters
  • Galaxy groups
  • Halo outskirts
  • Intergalactic Medium (IGM)
  • Cosmic web
  • Filaments
  • Baryons
  • Hot X-ray gas
  • AGN feedback

Tools: Cosmological simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, etc.), simulation particle data, X-ray observations, programming languages (e.g., Python)

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Environment

The impact of Environment on Galaxy Evolution

How does its neighborhood shape the life of a galaxy?

  • Environmental processes
  • Satellite and Central galaxies
Read more

Galaxies are not isolated objects whose evolution depends merely on intrinsic physical processes. Instead, the evolution of galaxies can be significantly affected by processes related to their local background environment (LBE) and their location within the cosmic web. However, the quantitative correlations between these non-intrinsic processes and galaxies' properties are yet to be fully understood. This project aims to uncover these complex connections, through both simulations and observations.

  • Environmental processes
  • Satellite and Central galaxies
  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), Observational data of galaxies including EUCLID and DESI, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Environment

Exploring large-scale correlations between galaxy properties (Galactic Conformity)

Why do galaxies megaparsecs apart share their star-forming state?

  • Galactic conformity
  • Environmental processes
  • Central and satellite galaxies
  • Star formation quenching
Read more

Galaxies that sit near one another tend to share properties: star-forming galaxies are preferentially found close to other star-forming galaxies, and quenched ones near other quenched ones. Within a single halo, this so-called one-halo (small-scale) conformity is mostly explained by satellites responding to the environment of their central galaxy. The puzzle is the two-halo (large-scale) signal, where the correlation persists between galaxies in separate haloes out to several megaparsecs — far beyond the reach of any direct interaction. Whether this reflects genuine large-scale physical influence, environmental effects, the assembly history imprinted by the surrounding cosmic web, or a selection effect of how haloes are counted, remains debated. This project aims to measure the conformity signal consistently across simulations and observations, and to disentangle which physical processes actually produce it.

  • Galactic conformity
  • Environmental processes
  • Central and satellite galaxies
  • Star formation quenching
  • Large-scale structure
  • Cosmic web
  • Assembly bias
  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data of galaxies including SDSS, DESI, and EUCLID, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Environment

Studying The Formation and Evolution of Dwarf Galaxies

How do the smallest galaxies form, and what shapes them?

  • Dwarf Galaxies
  • Environmental processes
  • Local Group
  • Fornax
Read more

Dwarf galaxies are the smallest and least luminous galaxies in the universe, often containing only a few billion stars. They are very important for understanding galaxy formation and evolution because they are thought to be the building blocks of larger galaxies. Additionally, dwarf galaxies are sensitive to environmental effects and internal processes due to their low mass and shallow gravitational potential wells.

  • Dwarf Galaxies
  • Environmental processes
  • Local Group
  • Fornax
  • Euclid
  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data from Fornax Deep Survey and Euclid, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Models and methods

Simulating the Real Universe

What can a simulated twin of our own Universe teach us?

  • Local Group
  • Constrained Simulations
Read more

The L-Galaxies model implements a comprehensive set of physical recipes to model galaxy formation and baryonic physics on dark matter-only simulations. This project aims to use L-Galaxies for modeling a box very similar to the real Universe. This enables us to perform a comprehensive study of the history of galaxies and cosmological structures and uncover the physics behind the formation and evolution of galaxies.

  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations
  • Local Group
  • Constrained Simulations

Tools: The L-Galaxies semi-analytical model of galaxy formation, programming languages (C/C++ and python)

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The early Universe

The Formation and Evolution of High-Redshift Galaxies Observed by JWST

Which physics are our models missing in the early Universe?

  • High-Redshift
  • JWST observations
  • Galaxy Quenching
  • AGN Feedback
Read more

Galaxies observed at high redshift (z > 3) represent a critical epoch in cosmic history, corresponding to the peak and subsequent decline of cosmic star formation activity. With recent advances in observational techniques (e.g., JWST, ALMA, Euclid), combined with high-resolution cosmological simulations, it is now feasible to explore the physical characteristics of galaxies at this pivotal epoch. Current cosmological simulations, however, fail to reproduce the properties of high-redshift galaxies. This project aims to uncover the missing physics in our theoretical models.

  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations
  • High-Redshift
  • JWST observations
  • Galaxy Quenching
  • AGN Feedback

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), Observational data from JWST, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Feedback and baryons

Metals in the Universe

How do metals travel from galaxies out into the intergalactic medium?

  • Supernova and AGN feedback
  • Environmental processes
  • Circumgalactic Medium (CGM)
  • Intracluster Medium (ICM)
Read more

The genesis of elements and metals in the cosmos is a captivating narrative that begins within the Big Bang and continues with stellar evolution. However, the migration of these metals from the Interstellar Medium (ISM) to the Intergalactic Medium (IGM) and Intracluster Medium (ICM) is still a complex puzzle. This project aims to uncover the journey of metals within the cosmic framework by tracing them through high resolution hydrodynamical simulations such as IllustrisTNG.

  • Supernova and AGN feedback
  • Environmental processes
  • Circumgalactic Medium (CGM)
  • Intracluster Medium (ICM)
  • Intergalactic Medium (IGM)
  • Galaxy formation and evolution
  • Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

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Models and methods

Machine Learning Applications in Astrophysics

Where can machine learning help in the projects on this page?

  • Machine Learning
Read more

Machine Learning could play an important role in most of the projects described above. Interested students are encouraged to contact me for more information.

  • Galaxy Formation and Evolution
  • Machine Learning

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), programming languages (e.g. python)

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Models and methods

PROFI, an efficient code for computing matter distribution in and around cosmological structure

Extend my open-source profile code to structures of any shape.

  • Professional Coding
  • Software Development
Read more

To understand how physical processes shape cosmological structures, it is essential to analyze the distribution of different types of matter (gas, stars, black holes, dark matter) in and around these structures. PROFI is an open-source code that measures several relevant quantities, including profiles of density, velocity, entropy, temperature, and more. The current version works primarily on halo-shaped structures. To account for other structural shapes, PROFI should be extended. Students interested in computer science and coding in astrophysics, particularly those with experience or interest in C/C++, are encouraged to contact me.

  • Galaxy Formation and Evolution
  • Professional Coding
  • Software Development

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), programming languages (e.g. python, C/C++)

PROFI on GitHub

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How to start

Three steps

  1. Step 1

    Pick a topic, or bring your own

    Any topic on this page can become a BSc or MSc thesis or a research internship. If you have your own idea in a related direction, that is welcome too.

  2. Step 2

    What you need

    Basic knowledge of astrophysics and galaxy formation. You do not need to know the details of the project.

    General programming: opening files and doing basic calculations, such as the minimum or maximum of a dataset. Experience with data analysis or simulation data helps, but is not necessary.

  3. Step 3

    Get in touch

    Write to me about the topic that interests you.

    ayromlou@uni-bonn.de

Track record

Former and ongoing projects

Projects I have supervised, and where they led.

11 projects 2 published papers 6 papers in preparation

Luca Saewe Internship / Master's project

Studying the formation and evolution of cosmological structures using machine learning techniques

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to develop a sophisticated machine learning pipeline to make reliable predictions for the formation history and structure of halos, from Milky Way-like systems to massive galaxy clusters.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · Galaxy Groups and Clusters · Machine Learning

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), programming languages (e.g. python and C++), Machine Learning relevant libraries

Eugene Lee Internship / Master's project

An investigation of the impact of feedback and mergers on the structure and dynamics of the gas within and beyond the halo boundary

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to investigate how internal feedback processes together with halo mergers shape the structure and dynamics of the gas, extending from the halo center out to the Closure Radius.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · Stellar Feedback · AGN Feedback · Mergers

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), programming languages (e.g. python and C++)

Laksh Gupta Internship / Master's project

Discovering the interconnections between physical processes in galaxy evolution through numerical simulations

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to study the complex interplay of internal and external processes in galaxy evolution and their impact on the formation and evolution of galaxies and large-scale structure.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · Local Universe · Galaxy Quenching · Internal and External Processes

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data (SDSS, DESI, HSC), programming languages (e.g. python and C++)

Aleyna Döven Master's project

The formation and evolution of protoclusters at high-redshifts

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to study the formation and evolution of protoclusters and their galaxies at high-redshifts, using numerical simulations.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · High-Redshift · JWST observations · Galaxy Quenching · AGN Feedback

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data from JWST, programming languages (e.g. python and C++)

Sahar Sarmadian Master's project

The formation and evolution of faint dwarf galaxies across the cosmic web

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to study the formation and evolution of the least massive galaxies in the universe, known as dwarf galaxies.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · Local Universe · Optical and Radio Observations · Galaxy Quenching · Stellar and AGN Feedback · Environmental Processes

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data from various surveys, programming languages (e.g. python)

David Leonhard Master's project

Studying the distribution of hot, X-ray emitting gas in and around galaxy clusters using Machine Learning techniques

Paper in preparation
About the project

This project aims to use advanced Machine Learning techniques to understand the distribution of X-ray emitting hot gas in galaxy clusters.

Galaxy Clusters · X-ray astronomy · Machine learning · Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

Aleyna Döven Internship / Master's project

The formation and evolution of high-z galaxies

Published in A&A
About the project

This project aims to study the formation and evolution of galaxies at high-redshifts, using numerical simulations.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations · High-Redshift · JWST observations · Galaxy Quenching · AGN Feedback

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (L-Galaxies, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, …), Observational data from JWST, programming languages (e.g. python)

Milan Staffehl Master's project

Exploring the origin of the cold gas in galaxy clusters and galaxy groups

Published in A&A
About the project

Galaxy clusters and galaxy groups are the most massive objects in the Universe. Observations and simulations suggest that the gas is multiphase with complex distribution and dynamics. One of the major complexities is the presence of cold gas (T~10^4 K) among the hotter halo gas (T>10^6), which is not understood yet. Employing hydrodynamical simulations, the aim of this project is to uncover the origin of this cold gas.

Circumgalactic Medium (CGM) · Intracluster medium (ICM) · Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

Finlay Taylor Master's project

Discovering the impact of supermassive black hole feedback on low-mass galaxies and haloes

About the project

Every galaxy is believed to have a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at its center. The impact of SMBH feedback on low-mass galaxies is still poorly understood. This project aims to uncover the physical effects of SMBH feedback on the properties of low-mass galaxies and their surrounding gaseous halos.

Black holes and AGN feedback · Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

Shera Jafaritabar Master's internship project

Distribution of Baryons vs. Dark Matter in Simulations and Observations

About the project

This project aims to generate mock X-ray data from the IllustrisTNG simulations and compare it with actual X-ray observations of halo gas fractions. The goal is to identify discrepancies in our theoretical models, which will inform and motivate future model improvements.

Circumgalactic Medium (CGM) · Intracluster medium (ICM) · Halo gas fraction · X-ray observations · Galaxy formation and evolution · Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), X-ray observational data of the halo gas, The particle data of the simulations, programming languages (e.g. python)

Emmanouela Gerakaki Bachelor's project

The impact of the cosmic web and the large scale environment on galaxy evolution

About the project

Galaxies are NOT isolated objects whose evolution depends merely on intrinsic physical processes. The aim of this project is to discover the connections between environmental processes and galaxy properties using state-of-the-art cosmological galaxy formation simulations.

Galaxy formation and evolution · Large scale structure of the Universe · Cosmic Web · Environmental quenching · Cosmological simulations

Tools: Cosmological Simulations (IllustrisTNG, L-Galaxies, EAGLE, …), Cosmic web identification algorithms, programming languages (e.g. python)

Have your own idea?

If it is in a related direction, I would be glad to hear it.

Email me See my research