I am an Assistant Professor of Physics at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Related publications:
“Empirical Models of the Hβ Broad Emission Line Gas Density Field” Villafaña, L., Treu, T., Colleyn, L. Brewer, B. J., Barth, A. J., Malkan, M. A., U, V., Bennert, V. N. 2024 The Astrophysical Journal, 966, 106.
“ What Does the Geometry of the Hβ BLR Depend On? ” Villafaña, L., Williams, P. R., Treu, T., Brewer, B. J., Barth, A. J., U, V., Bennert, V. N. et al. 2023 The Astrophysical Journal, 948, 95.
“The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2016: Dynamical Modeling of Velocity-resolved Hβ Lags in Luminous Seyfert Galaxies” Villafaña, L., Williams, P. R., Treu, T., Brewer, B. J., Barth, A. J., U, V., Bennert, V. N. et al. 2022 The Astrophysical Journal, 930, 52.
Research Interests:
My research focuses on dynamic modeling of the gas that surrounds supermassive black holes in active galaxies. I am interested in improving the way black hole masses are measured across cosmic time and understanding the role supermassive black holes may play in galaxy evolution.
As a first-generation Latina, I am committed to creating research and learning environments in which students of all backgrounds can thrive.
Let me know how I can support you!
Contact Me:
If you are interested in joining my research group, or would like to chat about navigating academia, please email me at lvillafa@calpoly.edu to schedule a meeting.
Research Group:
Coming Soon! I am currently recruiting students, please contact me if you are interested in studying supermassive black holes.