Quantifying star formation: developing new statistical methods to quantify the distributions of stars and gas in both observed and simulated star-forming regions

Stars form in relatively dense groups containing tens to millions of other stars, and these environments directly influence both young planets as they are forming, as well as the global evolution of galaxies. In order to understand the star formation process we need robust statistical methods to quantify the spatial and kinematic distributions of stars and gas in young star-forming regions. This PhD project will involve developing and extensively testing new statistical methods to quantify the distributions of stars and gas in both observed and simulated star-forming regions.


Science Graduate School
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School – a community of postgraduate researchers working across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.