Education
Astronomy PhD Program
University of Washington Seattle; PhD Candidate
Sep 2021 - Expected June 2025
Masters of Science (Astronomy)
University of Washington-Seattle; GPA: 3.96
Sep 2021 - March 2023
Bachelors of Science (Physics)
University of Dallas; Magna Cum Laude; GPA: 3.704
Aug 2017 - May 2021
Publications
Link to my AAS Presentation abstracts on ADS
The COS-Holes Survey: Connecting Galaxy BH Mass with the State of the CGM; Garza et al (2024)
The COS-Holes Survey, in combination with a detailed comparison to cosmological simulations, offers the first assessment of the role of black hole growth in the regulation of the baryonic content of extended gaseous halos. Broadly, our observations, when combined with data from the literature, are in reasonable agreement with simulation predictions, but do not provide definitive evidence that super-massive black hole (SMBH) feedback significantly impacts the state of the circumgalactic medium (CGM), either in evacuation or through metal enrichment. While our results do not rule out that a galaxy’s central SMBH plays an important role in setting the state of the CGM, we find that the specific star formation rate is more correlated with properties of the CGM.
The CIViL* Survey: The Dicsovery of a C IV Dichotomy in L* Galaxies; Garza et al (2024)
This paper investigates C IV absorption in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of L* galaxies and its relationship with galaxy star formation rates. We present new observations from the C IV in L* survey (CIViL*; PID##17076) using the Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. By combining these measurements with archival C IV data (46 observations total), we estimate detection fractions for star-forming and passive galaxies to be 72% [21/29] and 23% [3/13], respectively. This indicates a significant dichotomy in C IV presence between L* star-forming and passive galaxies, with over 99% confidence. This finding aligns with Tumlinson et al. (2011), which noted a similar dichotomy in O VI absorption. These findings highlight a strong connection between star formation in galaxies and the state of their CGM, providing insight into the mechanisms governing galaxy evolution.
Work & Mentoring Experience
Pre-MAP Mentor
Fall 2022 & 2023
Co-Mentor to 3 students for 5 week research project: ``Mapping the Galactic Atmosphere with QSO Spectroscopy"
Teachers Assistant - UW Seattle ASTR 101
Fall 2021, Winter & Spring 2022
Oversaw three classes (~90 students per quarter) where I prepared students for weekly quizzes, lead discussions, facilitated lab work, and graded quizzes and other materials. Developed a 1 hour lecture on BH and presented to the full class (~250 students)
Teachers Assistant - University of Dallas General Physics & Astro Labs
January 2018 - May 2021
Oversaw student experiments, managed with group observations, fielded student questions, graded lab manuals, and held tutoring hours once a week. During the pandemic, I aided the professor to move the class to a virtual format; this included organizing forum to host online lab notebooks and troubleshooting online simulations.
Public Talks
Pacific Science Center Career Corner Feature
May 2024
Public Outreach
eSTEAM Organizer & Volunteer
Fall 2022 - Present
Bringing astronomy/astrobiology to incarcerated youth in Washington state through team developed labs, one-on-one mentoring and tutoring. Personally developed a lab and mobile planetarium show for summer 2023 program. Ran a 7 week python coding camp where students learned intro programing skills to build their own chose-your-own-adventure game in the summer of 2024.
Astro On Tap-Seattle Co-Lead
Fall 2022 - Present
Social Media & Trivia Manager; follow Astronomy on Tap-Seattle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok!
UW-Planetarium Volunteer
Spring 2022 - Present
Give 2-4 shows per quarter at the UW Planetarium to the general public.
UD Meet Us at the Tower Event Organizer/Moderator
Spring 2021
Organized and moderated the first "Benefits of a UD STEM Liberal Arts degree: Research Presentations and Career Plans" event for prospective physics majors. In this event, high school seniors interested in physics were informed about upperclassmen's reserch experiences, their time at UD and how they were planing to use their physics degree after graduation. Also organized the use of the Physics Department's trebuchet to be a part of UD's Meet us at the Tower events for prospective students as part of the Clubs and Organizations Expo.
UD Charity Week Event Organizer
Fall 2020
Organized the use of the Physics Department's trebuchet to be a part of UD's annual charity week through launching pumpkins and squash. Raised one hundred and twenty dollars for the The Corpus Christi Hope House and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.
Co-organized University of Dallas's First Annual Science Week
Fall 2020
Co-organized this new event by collaborating with the other science clubs on campus to highlight the sciences and its students. Personally organized physics demonstrations which included a donated and fully working trebuchet and coordinated guest speaker, Dr. Micheal Johnson, to give a general talk to the campus community.
UD Open Observatory /Lab Night Volunteer
Fall & Spring 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Helped run the physics/astronomy demonstrations in an open laboratory format. Due to the mix of high school students and families with young children, utilized a variety of communication skills geared toward a general audience.
Performed Physics Demos at Local Elementary Schools
January 25, 2025
Worked with 4th & 5th graders as they investigated various physics concepts through hands on physics demonstrations.
Awards & Honors
Seattle Chapter ARCS Foundation Fellowship
Spring 2021
Monostori Scholar Award
Spring 2021
AUI Board of Trustees NAC Bridge Scholarship
Summer 2021
UW Astronomy Department Outreach Award
Fall 2023