Hello! I'm Yong. I'm interested in the cosmic baryon cycle that connects a galaxy and its circumgalactic medium (CGM). The cosmic baryonic cycle includes gas inflows, outflows, and recycling that extend over tens and hundreds of kiloparsecs. My research focuses on constructing a coherent picture of how baryons are cycled and recycled in the CGM. In particular, I'm interested in characterizing the sub-kpc physical processes that can only be gleaned from observations of nearby galaxies.

I'm an observer. My research extensively uses UV spectroscopy and HI 21cm observations (e.g., GALFA-HI, HI4PI). I'm also familiar with Keck/DEIMOS observations which I use to study diffuse gas in nearby galaxies. Meanwhile, I have built a strong track record of working with theorists and analyzing simulation data to compare with my observations.

Recent Publication Highlights

Y. Zheng, et al., A Comprehensive Investigation of Metals in the Circumgalactic Medium of Nearby Dwarf Galaxies , 2023, Submitte to ApJ., Arxiv:2301.12233

M. Putman, Y. Zheng, A. Price-Whelan, J. Grcevich, A. Johnson, E. Tollerud, J. Peek, The Gas Content and Stripping of Local Group Dwarf Galaxies 2021, ApJ, 913, 53

H. V. Bish, J. K. Werk, J. Peek, Y. Zheng, M.Putman, The QuaStar Survey: Detecting Hidden Low-Velocity Gas in the Milky Way's Circumgalactic Medium, 2021, ApJ, 912, 8B

Y. Zheng, et al., Characterizing the Circumgalactic Medium of the Lowest-Mass Galaxies: A Case Study of IC 1613, 2020, ApJ, 905, 133

Y. Zheng, et al., Figuring Out Gas & Galaxies in Enzo (FOGGIE). III. The Mocky Way: Investigating Biases in Observing the Milky Way's Circumgalactic Medium, 2020, ApJ, 896, 143Z

Upcoming/Recent Talks & Conferences

02/2023, Invited Talk, "Oases in the Cosmic Desert: Understanding the Structure of the Circumgalactic Medium", Tempe, AZ
08/2022, Lecturer, the 1st "High-Resolution X-ray and UV (HiXUV) Spectroscopy Capability Building Workshops”, Virtual Workshop
06/2022, Invited Talk, "Galactic and Extragalactic High Velocity Clouds”, A Green Bank Observatory Workshop, WV
04/2022, Colloquium, Department of Physics, University of North Texas, TX
03/2022, the Arthur M. Wolfe Symposium in Astrophysics, Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA

Outreach & DEI Initiatives

I am committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in my working space for my students and colleagues. Along my career trajectory, I was fortunate to have many role models, who have encouraged, supported, and inspired me to continue to pursue my science dreams and ambitions despite many disheartening situations. I wish to do the same for future generations. I believe everyone has the right to pursue science regardless of their race, gender, age, ability, sexuality, immigration status, mother tongue, and/or other identities. A deviation from the presumed social norms in a white dominant culture does not exclude a person from pursuing science. I have so far participated in many outreach activities to make science more accessible to the public.

Contact Me

zhengy14_at_rpi_dot_edu
Department of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th St, Troy, NY 12180