Research
My main research interests are galaxy evolution, with a focus on the multiwavelength properties of both local and distant galaxies. I use UV-radio data from large photometric and spectroscopic galaxy surveys such as UKIDSS UDS, GAMA and MaNGA to determine the star-formation histories and dust properties of large samples of galaxies.
My research interests include:
- Galaxy bimodality - starbursts, galaxy mergers, post-starburst galaxies, quenching.
- Properties, origins and evolution of dust and gas in galaxies, particularly in post-starburst galaxies, and (traditionally gas/dust-poor) early-type galaxies.
- Multiwavelength spectral energy distribution (SED) model fitting.
- Statistical interpretation of galaxy properties derived from large spectroscopic and multiwavelength photometric surveys.
- Connection between galaxy morphology and physical properties.
- Chemical evolution modelling.
Why do galaxies stop forming stars?

Post-starburst galaxies are an ideal laboratory to study quenching as they have undergone a dramatic starburst event which can rapidly exhaust and/or expel gas on a <1 billion year timescale. These galaxies are thought to be caught in the act of transformation between star-forming and quiescent. Post-starbursts are commonly assumed to be devoid of gas and dust, although recent studies Rowlands et al. (2015), have shown that low-redshift post-starbursts still harbour a significant cold interstellar medium similar to spiral galaxies. Low-redshift post-starbursts are not completely devoid of gas as was previously thought, which challenges the rapid quenching mode of forming the quiescent population (see Figure). I use my experience with multiwavelength data and statistical analysis of large datasets spanning 10 billion years of cosmic time to understand why galaxies stop forming stars.
About me
I am an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute, where I am part of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS/HST) team. I work with Yuanze Luo, Justin Otter, Liza Sazonova, Katey Alatalo, Andreea Petric and teams internationally, to find out why galaxies stop forming stars.
I previously worked as an assistant research scientist at Johns Hopkins University with Tim Heckman and Nadia Zakamska on the MaNGA survey. From 2013-2017 I was a postdoc at the University of Andrews working with Vivienne Wild on the ERC starting grant SEDmorph project to study the physical properties of galaxies and how these change over time.
I completed my PhD at the University of Nottingham in 2013, where I worked on the dust properties of galaxies using Herschel-ATLAS data.

Address:
- Space Telescope Science Institute
- 3700 San Martin Drive
- Baltimore
- MD 21218, USA
- Email: krowlands AT stsci.edu
- Tel: (+1) 667-218-6488