Research

I am interested in galaxy formation theory, in particular the interface between galaxies and their supermassive black holes. To this end, I develop new galaxy formation models and perform hydrodynamical simulations of individual galaxies as well as representative regions of the Universe with the moving mesh code AREPO.

During my PhD, I investigated the hitherto unexplored role of black hole feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGN) in dwarf galaxies. My current research focus is to build novel models of black hole evolution (including black hole formation, growth, and feedback) for galaxy formation simulations, which take advantage of the superior resolution and allow for detailed multimessenger predictions in preparation for the next-generation electromagnetic and gravitational-wave observatories.

Selected papers

Two can play at that game: constraining the role of supernova and AGN feedback in dwarf galaxies with cosmological zoom-in simulations; Sophie Koudmani, Debora Sijacki and Matthew C. Smith (2022, MNRAS), [ADS] [astro-ph]

A little FABLE: exploring AGN feedback in dwarf galaxies with cosmological simulations; Sophie Koudmani, Nicholas A. Henden and Debora Sijacki (2021, MNRAS), [ADS] [astro-ph]

Fast and energetic AGN-driven outflows in simulated dwarf galaxies; Sophie Koudmani, Debora Sijacki, Martin A. Bourne and Matthew C. Smith (2019, MNRAS), [ADS] [astro-ph]

Career

2022-present: Flatiron Research Fellow (CCA, Flatiron Institute, New York City)

2021-present: Junior Research Fellow (St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge)

2017-2021: PhD in Astronomy; supervisors: Prof. Debora Sijacki & Prof. Martin Haehnelt (IoA/KICC & Churchill College, University of Cambridge)

2013-2017: MPhys Physics (New College, University of Oxford)

Awards and Prizes

2021: Flatiron Research Fellowship (deferred to 2022), Flatiron Institute

2021: Junior Research Fellowship, St Catharine's College Cambridge 

2019: Paul Murdin Prize, Institute of Astronomy Cambridge

2016: Undergraduate Research Bursary, Royal Astronomical Society

2016: Study Grant for Research Project, New College Oxford

2015-2017: Scholarship, New College Oxford