Dr. Walterbos studies the interstellar medium in disk galaxies using a variety of techniques, including optical and radio imaging and spectroscopy. His research has focused on the low-density diffusely distributed gas that is found in the disks and halos of galaxies. The overall goal is to better understand how the energy input from massive stars shapes and disturbes the interstellar medium in a variety of environments. Other areas include the study of the chemical composition of the interstellar gas, the distribution of gas in the outer disks of spiral galaxies, the kinematics of gas in the halo and disks of galaxies, and the properties of massive stars.

Dr. Walterbos is working with three graduate students on a variety of problems concerning the interstellar medium and the dynamics of galaxies. Fourth-year student Cat Wu is studying the kinematics of halo gas in galaxies using a new multi-long-slit setup at the ARC 3.5m telescope, third-year student Jiehae Choi is analyzing multi-slit kinematic data on the central region of M33, and will work on star formation in elliptical galaxies, and second-year student Maria Patterson is studying the properties of atomic hydrogen gas in M31, M33, and the LMC, in a collaboration with colleagues in the US, Europe, and Australia.

Teaching

Dr. Walterbos has regularly taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses at NMSU. At the undergraduate level these have included introductory classes in Astronomy, the Search for Life in the Universe, and Great Ideas in Science. At the graduate level, Walterbos has taught Introductory Astrophysics, Stars and Stellar Evolution, Observational Techniques, and Interstellar Medium in Galaxies. His favorite approach in class is to center discussion of material around students' questions, and to stimulate class participation through panel discussions.

Teaching Fall 2008: ASTR 405/505

Professional Service

Dr. Walterbos serves as the NMSU representative on the Astrophysical Research Sloan Digital Sky Survey Advisory Council, as the NMSU member representative for the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), and for AURA as member of the Solar Observatory Council. He is also a member of the AURA Steering Committee for the next Decadal Survey..

Publications

Selected Publications (with former NMSU graduate students).

Star Formation in H I-selected Galaxies. II. H II Region Properties
Helmboldt, J.F., & Walterbos, R.A.M., Bothun, G.D., & O'Neil, K. 2005, ApJ, 630, 824

Star Formation in H I-Selected Galaxies. I. Sample Characteristics
Helmboldt, J.F., & Walterbos, R.A.M., Bothun, G.D., O'Neil, K., & de Blok, W.J.G. 2004, ApJ, 613, 914

Optical Spectroscopy and Ionization Models of the Diffuse Ionized Gas in M33, M51/NGC 5195, and M81
Hoopes, C.G., & Walterbos, R.A.M., 2003, ApJ, 586, 902