Rebecca Bowler

My research group focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early Universe, in particular:

• the robust identification of galaxies at cosmic dawn from multi-wavelength datasets on the degree scale
• the prevalence and properties of dust in these galaxies
• the relationship of active galactic nuclei and galaxies in the early universe, including their contribution to the process of reionization

We use a variety of telescopes to investigate these topics. These include optical (Subaru) to near-infrared imaging (VISTA, Euclid) on the degree scale, with space-based imaging at high spatial resolution (Hubble, JWST) and sub-mm (ALMA) and radio (MeerKAT) to probe the dust obscured star formation.

I am passionate and committed to making physics and science accessible to all.  Looking around the average Physics department in the UK there is still work to be done to increase diversity, and it is everybody's responsibility to work towards a more inclusive community.

Contact me via  rebecca.bowler - at - cityname - .ac.uk

Current PhD students: Chongyu Gao, Holly Ullyott, Rebecca Fisher, Josh Selfridge

Main collaborations:  Euclid, LSST:Galaxies, REBELS, PHOENIX

I offer research projects that are based on a range of topics including:

• selection of high-redshift galaxies from multi-wavelength data, including using machine learning
• understanding contaminant populations including ultra-cool dwarfs
• the presence and properties of dust in the early universe and impact on observed galaxies
• the intersection of AGN and galaxies, and the impact on reionization

If you are interested in working with me as part of a PhD or MPhys project, answers to common questions are below:

• What projects are you currently offering? Please see the list above for MPhys and the JBCA projects page for PhD.
• Do you offer internships or research experience to external (non Manchester students)?  Unfortunately not.
• What PhD funding is available for me?  Please research the available funding schemes before contacting me.  Home students can apply for pool STFC funded places through JBCA.  The success rate for international (including European) students is lower for these places.  I am happy to support motivated students for scholarships such as the Deans funding.
• What is your supervisory style?  All my students have weekly individual meetings for 50 minutes with myself and the co-supervisor, as well as contact through e-mail/Teams chat.  I work closely with my students, and am invested in developing their skills and making sure they have the opportunity to lead high impact publications.  If you prefer a more hands off approach I'm likely not the best fit for you.
• Do I have the right background, should I apply to your project?  My PhD students typically have a good Masters level qualification in Physics or Astrophysics, including evidence for strong research skills (e.g. through project work completed as part of their degree) and evidence of an interest in research beyond attending lectures. 

If you have specific questions on the projects not answered above, please feel free to e-mail me.  

Konigstuhl Colloquium Signature Speaker 2023, MPIA (Germany)

Henry Mosley Prize and Medal 2021, Institute of Physics (UK)

Tinsley Visiting Scholar 2020, University of Texas at Austin

Winton Award 2018, Royal Astronomical Society (UK) awarded annually for a postdoctoral fellow whose career has shown the most promising development

Block Award 2016, Aspen Centre for Physics (US) for a “promising young physicist” at the conference ‘The Reionization Epoch: New Insights and Future Prospects’.

There is a lack of diversity within many UK Physics departments, be this diversity in ethnic backgrounds, gender, people with a disability and those from the LGBTQ+ communities, we are missing extraordinary talent and must work towards a more inclusive subject.  The reasons for the current are complex and intersectional, and I refer you to the many articles published by the IoP for further details.  

Fortunately there are things that everyone, but particularly schools and Universities, can do to work towards a more equitable Physics.  I find the concept of "science capital" useful in understanding why some people choose to pursue science while other equally qualified people do not.  

Despite being the "largest minority", there is still a lack of women working in physics.  Below are details of some of the outreach events I have been part of to encourage girls to study science:

Marie Curious A day of talks and workshops for girls aged 11-14 who are interested in seeing what STEM has to offer.  More information here

Big Questions in Astronomy Joint with the Museum for the History of Science, this (online in 2021) workshop is centred around a panel discussion with female researchers in Astronomy and Space Science.  More information here

Oxford Women in Physics Society The society reaches 100s of members of the department through fortnightly events and a mentoring scheme (I was president from 2016-2018).  More information here