About Me

CV

I am a PhD student with Dr. Matthew Taylor at the University of Calgary. My research focuses on compact stellar systems such as ultra-compact dwarf galaxies and their proposed links to nuclear star clusters found in the centres of dwarf galaxies. I use integral field unit data from the James Webb Space Telescope to examine the movements of stars within these dense objects to determine the presence of (or lack-thereof) a central massive black hole.

Outside of work you can usually find me in a rink playing or coaching ringette.

Research

Publications

My Masters thesis investigated the presence of central black hole in the centre of ultra-compact dwarf galaxies (UCDs). UCDs bridge the gap between normal star clusters and dwarf galaxies and have luminosities, sizes and velocity dispersions more akin to the cores of nucleated dwarf galaxies. The UCDs were observed using NIRSpec on JWST, and the kinematic measurements made were used in dynamical modelling to determine the presence (or lack thereof) of a central supermassive black hole in such objects.
You can read my thesis here.

One UCD, UCD-736, was found to host a 2 million solar mass black hole in its core, roughly 8% of the host galaxy's mass. This black hole marks the sixth ever black hole found in a UCD, and the fifth in the Virgo galaxy cluster.

Communication and Public Outreach

I have had the oppourtunity to give a number of talks at conferences and to the public, as well as partake in various outreach events at my university.

Selected Talks

CASCA 2023, 2024, BIRS Astrostats Workshop, Rothney Astrophysical Observatory Public Talk

Contact Me

Email: solveig.thompson at ucalgary dot ca