Astronomer. Pianist. Cat Enthusiast.
Samantha benincasa
Research
My research focuses on studying the connection between star formation and the interstellar medium in galaxy simulations, with an emphasis on the galactic environment. Click on an image to see the paper, or have a look at my ADS page.
GMC Formation in Disk Galaxies: Characterizing Simulated Versus Observed Cloud Catalogs
GMC formation in a co-rotating frame of reference
The anatomy of a star-forming galaxy: pressure-driven regulation in simulated galaxies
Pressure-driven regulation of star formation
A tale of two clump masses: a new way to study clump formation in simulations
High redshift clump formation - a new approach
Live Fast, Die Young: GMC lifetimes in the Latte cosmological simulations
Connecting GMCs and star clusters in the Latte cosmo zooms
The anatomy of a star-forming galaxy II: the role of FUV heating in the structure of galaxies
The role of FUV in shaping the ISM and star formation
Public Outreach
I have been actively involved in multiple outreach initiatives focused both on science communication and the development of programs to promote equity and inclusivity in physics and astronomy.
Most recently, I have acted as president of People for Inclusivity in Physics & Astronomy (PIPA, formerly GWIPA). PIPA hosts an annual event to encourage girls to continue in the physical sciences. Click below, or on the right to learn more about Girls in Science Day.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
PhD (Physics), McMaster University 2018
MSc (Physics), McMaster University 2014
BSc (Honours Physics), McMaster University 2012
Research Experience
Presidents Postdoctoral Scholar, OSU, 2021-present
CCAPP Fellow, OSU, 2020-present
NSERC PDF Fellow, OSU, 2020-present
Postdoctoral Researcher, UC Davis 2018-present
Vanier Scholar (NSERC), McMaster University, 2015-2018
Graduate Researcher, McMaster University 2012-2018