Seminars

Testing a physical galaxy size definition across simulations

June 19, 2025

Invited Seminar, Institute of Computational Cosmology, Durham, UK

At the ICC I presented the results of Arjona-Gálvez et al. (2025) and outlined planned follow-up work extending the study to satellite galaxies. Preliminary results indicate two distinct satellite populations in the size–stellar mass plane: one population that follows the former relation and a second population that lies systematically above it. The latter population shows systematic trends with redshift and with host-centric distance. The seminar described the planned analysis to identify and characterise these two populations using the AURIGA-Superstars simulations. This investigation will apply the new size metric together with a newly developed, more sophisticated method for detecting galaxy edges created by Giulia Golini. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Giulia and Dr. Francesca Fragkoudi and aims to quantify how satellite sizes depend on environment and cosmic time. Presenting this at the ICC enabled in-depth discussion with experts in simulation analysis and galaxy structure.

AGN Feedback and Galaxy Outskirts: Exploring new observational approaches through hydrodynamical simulations

November 20, 2024

Invited Seminar, UCR Astro Seminar, University of California, Riverside (UCR), USA

This invited seminar showcased my recent first-author contributions to the study of super massive black holes (SMBHs) in dwarf galaxies using the AURIGA cosmological simulations. I presented the results of Arjona-Gálvez et al. 2024, where I demonstrated how SMBHs suppress star formation in low-mass galaxies through AGN feedback, providing new insight into dwarf galaxy quenching. I also highlighted Arjona-Gálvez et al. 2025, which introduced a new, physically motivated definition of galaxy size across different simulation suites, with direct implications for measuring BH–galaxy coevolution. Presenting these two complementary works together underlined both my expertise in simulation analysis and my ability to lead independent projects. Hosted at UCR, an institution with strong expertise in galaxy evolution, the talk broadened my international profile, fostered exchanges with observers and theorists, and established the foundation for future collaborations on SMBH formation and growth.

The role of AGN feedback on the evolution of dwarf galaxies from cosmological simulations

March 04, 2024

Invited talk, AGN Talk Series, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), La Laguna, Spain

I was invited to the AGN Talk Series at IAC to present my results on AGN feedback in dwarf galaxies, linking simulation predictions with observations of low-luminosity AGN. This platform allowed me to engage with specialists in AGN physics and demonstrate how cosmological simulations can provide constraints on feedback efficiencies. The seminar strengthened collaborative links with the IAC AGN group and showcased the interdisciplinary relevance of my work.

The effect of AGN feedback in simulated dwarf galaxies

October 06, 2023

Invited talk, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Montly Research Seminar, Liverpool, UK

This seminar focused on the work later published as Arjona-Gálvez et al. 2024 in Astronomy & Astrophysics. I presented my analysis of black holes in dwarf galaxies within the AURIGA simulations, showing how active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback regulates star formation and can even suppress it entirely in low-mass systems. The talk emphasised the importance of MBHs in shaping the evolution of dwarf galaxies, a result with strong implications for understanding galaxy quenching. Presenting at LJMU, a leading centre in computational astrophysics, allowed me to receive targeted feedback from experts in cosmological simulations and galaxy evolution, refining the presentation of results prior to publication. This talk also helped consolidate collaborative links with researchers at LJMU during my research stay.

The effect of intermediate black-holes on zoom-in dwarf galaxies

April 20, 2023

Invited speaker, Milky Way Journal Club, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), La Laguna, Spain

I presented my latest simulation results at the moment at the Milky Way and Local Group (MWLG) journal club, focusing on black holes in dwarf galaxies. This internal but expert setting allowed me to communicate my results to peers, receive constructive feedback, and contribute to ongoing discussions on black hole–galaxy coevolution.

The impact of AGNs in AURIGA dwarf galaxies

November 02, 2022

Invited talk, Galaxy Coffee, Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), La Laguna, Spain

This informal seminar was my first presentation of early PhD results on the demographics of black holes in AURIGA dwarfs. Presenting in this format allowed me to explain complex material to a broad audience of researchers across astrophysical subfields, honing my skills in communicating across disciplines while receiving diverse feedback.

Elena Arjona-Gálvez