Welcome,
My name is Francesca Fragkoudi (pronounced Fran-goo-dee*) and I am an Assistant Professor & UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the Institute for Computational Cosmology at Durham University. My research explores how spiral galaxies - like our own Milky Way - form and evolve throughout cosmic history. I'm particularly interested in the interplay between the internal dynamical processes occurring in galaxies and the broader cosmological context, and how these link to the dark matter problem. I use theoretical tools, such as N-body & hydrodynamic simulations (both isolated and cosmological), as well as orbital structure theory, to interpret observations of the Milky Way and of nearby galaxies. For more information have a look at this short bio, my research and my publication list (link to ADS).
Science and its communication are essential for achieving a fairer, more peaceful and sustainable society, as outlined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Astronomy, in particular, is a powerful tool for inspiring and fostering a sense of global citizenship. In this spirit, I founded and coordinate, on behalf of GalileoMobile, the award-winning project "Columba-Hypatia: Astronomy for Peace". Columba uses astronomy as a tool for peace and diplomacy on the post-conflict island of Cyprus; you can read more about it and my other science outreach endeavours in the Science Communication tab.
*Why is there an "n" there?
In Greek, my name is Φραντζέσκα Φραγκούδη.
When the greek letters "γ" and "κ" are combined, the digraph "γκ" (which tends to be transliterated to "gk" in the latin alphabet) is pronounced "ng" - like in the word "finger".
“It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known."
- Carl Sagan
"Πλάτυνε η Σκέψη τη ζωή τόσο πολύ, τόσο πολύ,
πόκανε ο άνθρωπος τη Γη κι' όλο το Σύμπαν: σπίτι..."
- Τεύκρος Ανθίας