I'm Stephanie Buttigieg, a CDT PhD student at the Institute of Astronomy and Christ's College within the University of Cambridge. I hold a B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Malta and a MASt in Astrophysics from the University of Cambridge.
I'm interested in a wide range of topics related to cosmology and astrophysics, with my current focus being supermassive black hole mergers. My work focuses on improving our theoretical understanding of these mergers, to make better predictions for future observations.
Current Research
My PhD project focuses on improving our theoretical understanding of supermassive black hole (SMBH) mergers by making use of cosmological simulations and other numerical codes. Simulations allow us to study the evolution of SMBHs in realistic astrophysical environments. However, they are limited by their resolution. My work focuses on quantifying these limitations and seeking better prescriptions to model SMBH mergers both above and below their resolution limit. This will have direct implications for predictions of future and present gravitational wave observations from probes like LISA and pulsar timing arrays, and also electromagnetic observations including from JWST.
Previous Research
During my master's degree I studied Poincaré Gauge Theories of gravity. Specifically, I looked at their particle spectra to ensure that they do not contain ghosts or tachyons which would ruin the stability of such theories.
For my undergraduate project, I also studied teleparallel theories of gravity to understand whether such modifications to General Relativity could explain the observed late-time acceleration of the universe, without the need to invoke a dark energy component.
You can download copies of my master's and undergraduate projects here.
Science Communication
I am deeply passionate about science communication and making astronomy accessible to the general public.
I have delivered multiple public outreach talks
and appeared on Maltese national television to discuss my research.
I also produce a social media video series, Astronomija bil-Malti, where I explore astronomy-related topics
in short, engaging videos in my native language, Maltese.
Women in Science
Equally important to me is increasing the representation of women in science.
Through my social media account, @sipping_cosmos,
I share my experiences as a young Maltese woman in academia, aiming to normalize women's presence in STEM
and challenge long-standing stereotypes. I have been invited to speak on various panels and discussions,
most recently at the European Parliament.
Additionally, as co-chair of the Women's Network at the Institute of Astronomy, I help lead initiatives that promote
and support women in the field, including coordinating a social media campaign showcasing the work of women astronomers
in our department.
- Address
Christ's College, St. Andrew's Street • Cambridge, UK • CB2 3BU
- Email
sb2583@cam.ac.uk
