Modelling the dynamics of the Milky Way and its substructure using simulations and analytical techniques

We are planning to use data from the Gaia space telescope complemented by the spectroscopic information from wide-area multiplex surveys like APOGEE and GALAH to perform modelling of the dynamics and structure of the Milky Way, including the distributions of stars and dark matter.

We will investigate a range of models including but not limited to Jeans models, distribution function models and made-to-measure models. In addition, it is likely we will use realistic simulations of Milky Way-like galaxies to study its various components.

A portion of the PhD will investigate perturbations of the known tidal streams by known Dark Matter sub-halos, i.e. by the observed Galactic satellites such as the Sgr dwarf.

We are also planning to look into variations of the Milky Way structure and dynamics as a function of its accretion history.