About me
I grew up in Athens, Greece where I studied Physics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and obtained my MSc in Astrophysics at the same institution. Fascinated by the physical processes and mechanisms that underlie galaxy formation and evolution combined with a genuine passion for coding, I ventured to Germany, where I earned my PhD in Astronomy from the Max Planck Institute of Astrophysics (MPA) and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). My research interests center on the study of the turbulent multi-phase interstellar medium (ISM), focusing on its physical and chemical properties, and the role it plays in regulating star formation and driving galaxy evolution.
Building on my expertise in physics and coding, I am currently conducting research in 5G and 6G telecommunications at brown-iposs GmbH. I am focusing on radio signal propagation modeling and communication systems optimization. While the application domain has shifted, the common thread remains: applying physical principles and computational techniques to tackle complex problems.
As a scientist, I strive to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of innovative applications, while bridging the gap between fundamental research and technological development. Beyond research, I am actively involved in volunteering and public outreach initiatives, working to make science accessible to diverse audiences and to inspire engagement and inclusivity in STEM.
Have a look at my CV or read more about my research.
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood,
the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars.
We are made of starstuff.”
― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
My Expertise
I am an astrophysicist with a solid background in scientific programming and data analysis, combining technical expertise with a problem-solving mindset and strong analytical skills.
Proficient in Python, I specialize in data processing, statistical analysis, and modeling physical processes, complemented by clear and effective visualizations.
I prioritize data-driven decision-making to achieve reliable results and adapt quickly to new challenges as an independent learner.
As an active researcher, I have experience in academic writing and presenting my work at international conferences, universities and institutes worldwide.
My academic training in international environments and professional experience in multidisciplinary teams have strengthened my communication and teamwork.
I value clear communication, collaboration, and fostering inclusivity, and I am dedicated to advancing STEM education through volunteering, teaching, and mentoring,
inspiring diverse audiences to connect with science.
My Skills in a Nutshell
My Research in Extragalactic Astrophysics
My research focuses on galaxy evolution, through the study of the turbulent multi-phase interstellar medium (ISM), star formation, and feedback mechanisms across diverse galactic environments, through a combination of observational and numerical approaches.
Using ALMA CO observations of the galaxy 4C12.50 (Fotopoulou et al., 2019), I studied the structure and dynamics, of its molecular gas. Our findings reveal high-velocity outflow components driven by AGN jets assisted by starburst activity, highlighting the impact of feedback on the ISM and its interplay with star formation.
As part of the GRIFFIN project, I used a high-resolution hydrodynamic simulation to study starburst-driven outflows and the lifecycle of cold star-forming clouds in a low-metallicity dwarf galaxy merger (Fotopoulou et al., 2024). Our analysis revealed that the starburst impacts the ISM by forming short-lived cold clouds with realistic mass and size distributions, in good agreement with observations (e.g. Larson relations) and validates our model’s ability to simulate star-forming clouds and feedback processes in low-metallicity environments.
You can find my publications here:
You can find my doctoral thesis here:
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