I am a post-baccalaureate researcher using gas kinematics to quantify the effects of star-formation and supermassive black hole growth on the evolution of galaxies. My background experience spans observation and numerical simulation in galaxies, exoplanets, and heliophysics, united by my use of primarily spectroscopic methodologies. I also create interactive multimedia electronic science communication exhibits on my research and the role of spectroscopy in astronomy.
Kyla Elizabeth Fields Mullaney
(Postbac Research Assistant)
| Email: | kyla.e.mullaney@nasa.gov |
| Org Code: | 662 |
| Address: |
NASA/GSFC Mail Code 662 Greenbelt, MD 20771 |
| Employer: | Southeastern Universities Research Assoc. |
Brief Bio
Research Interests
Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy and Integral Field Unit Data
Astrophysics: GalaxiesCurrent Projects
AGN versus Star-formation: A MUSE Analysis of NGC 1365
Galaxies
Active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star formation feedback may heat and remove gas from galaxies in a process that quenches ongoing star formation and shapes the evolution of galaxies. Potential impacts from these processes can be seen in the complex and interconnected signatures of AGN and star formation activity throughout a galaxy. In this work, we analyze archival integral field unit (IFU) data for the nearby Seyfert galaxy, NGC 1365, as observed with the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Our analysis probes the ionization and kinematic properties of NGC 1365 at high spatial resolution over unprecedentedly large physical scales (approximately 40 kpc), allowing us to trace the effects of feedback throughout nearly an entire galaxy. We use these optical IFU data in conjunction with observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory to analyze and compare maps of emission line flux, ionization state, star formation, and gas kinematics. In doing so, we identify a region of BPT-identified unexpectedly high ionization relative to surrounding areas in the star forming arms, and work to identify its source, finding that shock heating may play a significant role. Results from this analysis allow us to place constraints on the relative impact of AGN and star formation processes on the star forming gas in NGC 1365, as well as begin to inform our understanding on the global impacts of feedback in galaxy populations as a whole.
Positions/Employment
Post-Baccalaureate Researcher at NASA Goddard
Southeastern Universities Research Association - NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
September 2024 - Present
Researcher with the X-ray astrophysics department at NASA Goddard, focusing on disentangling the impacts of feedback processes on galaxy evolution with spatially resolved spectroscopy. Recent work submitted for publication (pre-print: https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.07124), focused on mapping the ionization profile of NGC1365 using optical integral field unit spectroscopy and IR/X-ray photometry, demonstrating a region of higher than expected ionization in the star forming arms, with implications for identifying ionization profiles of galaxies at high redshift. Additionally supporting mission concept development activities for the Accretion Explorer proposal.
Student Researcher
University of Chicago Exoplanets Research Group - Chicago, IL
September 2022 - August 2024
Wrote and presented honors thesis investigating sub-Neptune atmospheric evolution through numerical simulations. Developed custom Fortran extension for the MESA stellar evolution code to model simultaneous photoevaporation and core-atmosphere exchange, and performed thorough Python analysis of results.
Space Astronomy Summer Program (SASP) Intern
Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) - Baltimore, MD
June 2023 - August 2023
Performed spatial and kinematic analysis of IFU spectra of galaxies using ionization and metallicity diagnostics, analyzing 1000+ spectral emission lines, to map chemical abundances and ionization diagnostics towards understanding the kinematic effects of dense environments at cosmic noon.
Student Researcher
oSTEM/at NASA Ames Research Center - Mountain View, California
June 2022 - September 2022
Analyzed simulated spectral data time series with Python to estimate iron abundance, generate disk-integrated observables, and characterize stellar jitter for radial velocity technology development. Synthesized/calibrated >30TB of simulated stellar spectra using SPINOR radiative transfer code via high-performance computing.
Student Researcher
University of Chicago Department of Geophysical Sciences - Chicago, Illinois
June 2021 - June 2022
Designed and executed experiments using NASA’s Planetary Spectrum Generator (PSG) to investigate detectability of flare-driven atmospheric changes modeled in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM).
Education
University of Chicago - Bachelor's degree in Astrophysics, June 2024 (Cum Laude, with departmental honors)
Professional Societies
American Astronomical Society
2023 - Present
Awards
● Departmental Honors in Astrophysics
● Dean’s List 2022-2023, 2023-2024 (top 20% of undergraduate population)
● NSF GRFP Honorable Mention (2024, 2025)
● Best Poster Presentation (CRESST-II Science Retreat) (2025)
Selected Publications
Refereed
2023. "Understanding the Capability of Future Direct-imaging Observations to Quantify Atmospheric Chemical Effects of Stellar Proton Events.", The Astronomical Journal, 166 (3): 117 [10.3847/1538-3881/ace7b8] [Journal Article/Letter]