Madusha Gunawardhana

Postdoc

University of Sydney

Biography

The primary science driver of my research is understanding the physics of massive star formation (i.e. those with masses greater than 10 times the mass of our sun) across cosmic environments, their role in chemical enrichment, and the evolution of star formation. Massive stars, though scant in numbers, dominate the energy budget of galaxies. Consequently, virtually all measures of star-formation, be they ultraviolet, optical, infrared, or radio, trace the light predominantly from massive stars – likewise, the radiative, chemical and mechanical feedback strengths, supernovae rates, and the cosmic metal pollution. I use various innovative techniques, the latest high-resolution observations drawn from some of the largest galaxy surveys to date, and stellar population and photoionisation models to understand the massive star formation. I also have a passion for teaching and am involved in distance education programs.