Vardha N. Bennert
Education
- Ph.D., Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2005
- M.S., Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 2002
- Vordiplom, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 1999
Research Interests
- Astrophysics
- Observational Astronomy
- Active Galaxies
- Relations between Supermassive Black Holes and their Host Galaxies
About
Dr. Vardha N. Bennert completed her PhD in 2005 on the astrophysics of active galaxies at the Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany. She moved to the US for a postdoctoral researcher position at the University of California, first in Riverside, then in Santa Barbara. Dr. Bennert joined the faculty at Cal Poly in 2011. Dr. Bennert’s research interests focus on active galaxies, the central supermassive black hole and its relation to the host galaxy. Dr. Bennert strives to create an inclusive learning environment that promotes and values diversity. In her free time, she loves to spend time in nature and includes meditation into her everyday life.
Teaching
Students learn the most by doing -- Cal Poly's motto -- and through collaborative learning which form an integral part of any class that I teach. I foster inquiry-based learning by encouraging students to ask questions and by guiding them to answers that they construct themselves. To help students' understanding and long-term retention of knowledge, I directly address and challenge common students' misconceptions. It is important for me to stress the big picture and focus on underlying concepts, rather than requiring students to memorize facts or solve equations without understanding the physics behind. I apply frequent real-time assessments to give students feedback, to engage them in group discussions and to help them understand the material. To gauge students' learning experience, to get a better feel of the class climate, and to listen to students' concerns, I frequently solicit feedback from students. I always strive for transparency and a clear communication of expectations and learning goals. Research has shown that the key to improving academic performance is to “clearly communicate both high standards and the assurance of belief in the student's capacity to reach those standards” (Beverly Daniel Tatum). I not only wish to share my knowledge and passion, but I believe that I can have a positive influence on students' careers and personal lives. I encourage students to think and observe by themselves, and at the same time reflect on themselves as learners and thinkers. I want students to take responsibility for their own lives, but I also want them to know that I am there to support them, that I care about them and that I respect them as individuals. For me, making a difference in the life of a young person is the most meaningful and rewarding aspect of being an educator. I continuously try to improve on my teaching, focusing on active learning, equitable teaching practices and how to build an inclusive community in the classroom. Since I joined Cal Poly, I have taught the following courses: Physics 141 (Mechanics), Physics 132 (Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics), Physics 133 (Electricity & Magnetism), Physics 211 (Modern Physics I), Astronomy 101 (Solar System), Astronomy 102 (Stars & Galaxy), Astronomy 302 (Stars & Galaxies), Astronomy 444 (Observational Astronomy), Physical Sciences 101.
Since I joined Cal Poly, I have taught the following courses: Physics 141 (Mechanics), Physics 132 (Waves, Optics, Thermodynamics), Physics 133 (Electricity & Magnetism), Physics 211 (Modern Physics I), Astronomy 101 (Solar System), Astronomy 102 (Stars & Galaxy), Astronomy 302 (Stars & Galaxies), Astronomy 444 (Observational Astronomy), Physical Sciences 101.
Research
I am an observational astronomer, using some of the biggest (mainly optical) telescopes in the world. My research makes use of data gathered with the Hubble Space Telescope, the W. M. Keck Observatory (Hawaii), the Very Large Telescope (Chile), Gemini Observatory (Hawaii), the Shane and Nickel telescopes of Lick Observatory (California) and others. Together with an international team of collaborators (including Cal Poly undergraduate students), we analyze images and spectra of active galaxies -- galaxies with a supermassive black hole in their center that is currently growing by accretion of gas. Using a technique known as reverberation mapping, the mass of the supermassive black hole can be determined in a time-consuming observational campaign. I am particularly interested in the connection between the supermassive black hole and the host galaxy.
I am frequently including Cal Poly undergraduate students in my research. Below is a list of previous students. (Students marked with an * wrote their Senior Thesis on their research which can be found at Kennedy Library). If you are interested in conducting research with me, please send me an email. I am particularly interested in including students from diverse backgrounds in my research.
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*Jewel Capili (2020-21): Analyzing the Host Galaxies of Reverberation-Mapped Active Galaxies using Hubble Space Telescope Images |
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*Nathalia De Souza (2020-21): Analyzing the Host Galaxies of Reverberation-Mapped Active Galaxies using Hubble Space Telescope Images |
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*Jess Howell (2020-21): Analyzing the Host Galaxies of Reverberation-Mapped Active Galaxies using Hubble Space Telescope Images |
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*Jonathan Hood (2018-21) |
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*Tomas Snyder (2019-20): AGN Host Galaxies as Imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope |
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*Nick Yee (2018-20): Differential Photometry of Active Galaxies |
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Jonathan Hood (2018-20): Spectroscopy |
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Naina Asarvala (2018-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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Matthew Salinas (2017-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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Tatiana Gibson (2017-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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Michael Ross (2017-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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Ellen Glad (2017-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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*Chance Spencer (2016-19): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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Priscilla West (2017): The Seoul AGN Monitoring Project: Remote Observations with the 1m Nickel Telescope of Lick Observatory |
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*Isak Stomberg (2016-17): Probing the Black-Hole-Mass-Galaxy Connection of Active Galaxies Using 2D Galaxy Fitting Techniques on Near-Infrared Images |
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*Edward Donohue (2016-17): Comparing the width of the [OIII]5007A emission-line with that of [OII]3727A |
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Donald Loveland (2016-17): Studying the Spatial Variations of the [OIII] Line Profile in a Sample of ~100 Local Active Galaxies |
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*Jake Haslemann (2015-16): Probing the Source of Ionization of Gas in Local Active Galaxies |
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*Sean Lewis (2015-16): The width of the [OIII]5007A emission line and its relationship to the stellar velocity dispersion of the bulge in a sample of local active galaxies |
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*Aaron Line (2015-16): Probing the Fitting Accuracy of Active Galaxy Spectra |
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Maren Cosens (2014-16): Black Hole Mass Measurements and Broad FeII Emission in a Sample of ~100 Local Active Galaxies |
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*Jordan Runco (2014-15): Frequency of Seyfert Type Transitions in a Sample of ~100 Local Active Galaxies |
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*Nathan Milgram (2013-15): Studying the Relationship Between the [OIII] Line Profile and the Stellar Velocity Dispersion in Active Galaxies |
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*Charlie Showley (2012-13): Determining the Location of the Coronal Line Region within Local Active Galactic Nuclei using [Fe VII] Emission Line Properties |
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*Bryan Scott (2012-14): Time Variation of the Broad Hbeta and Halpha Emission Lines in Active Galactic Nuclei |
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*Kelsi Flatland (2012): Determining Stellar Velocity Dispersion in Active Galaxies: Is the [OIII] Width a Valid Surrogate? |
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*Rebecca Rosen (2011-12): Orbital Velocities of Clouds in the Broad Line Region of Seyfert 1 Galaxies |
Peer-Reviewed Publications
A full list of publications can be found at the Astrophysics Data System, selected articles can be directly retrieved from Digital Commons at Cal Poly. Note that since September 2009, I am publishing as Vardha Nicola Bennert or Vardha N. Bennert (instead of Nicola Bennert).
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Ding, Silverman, Treu, Schulze, Schramm, Birrer, Park, Jahnke, Bennert et al. 2020, ApJ, 888, 37: The Mass Relations between Supermassive Black Holes and Their Host Galaxies at 1<z<2 with HST-WFC3 |
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Husemann, Bennert et al. 2019, ApJ, 879, 75: Jet-driven galaxy-scale gas outflows in the hyper-luminous quasar 3C 27 |
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Keel, Bennert, et al. 2019, MNRAS, 483, 4847: AGN photoionization of gas in companion galaxies as a probe of AGN radiation in time and direction |
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Bennert, Loveland, Donohue et al. 2018, MNRAS, 481, 138: Studying the [OIII]5007A emission-line width in a sample of ~80 local active galaxies: a surrogate for sigma_star? |
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Williams, Pancoast, Treu, Brewer, Barth, Bennert et al. 2018, ApJ, 866, 75: The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011: Dynamical Modeling of the Broad-line Region |
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Woo, Le, Karouzos, Park, Park, Malkan, Treu, Bennert 2018, ApJ, 859, 138: Calibration and Limitations of the Mg II line-based Black Hole Masses |
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Pancoast, Barth, Horne, Treu, Brewer, Bennert et al. 2018, ApJ, 856, 108: Stability of the Broad-line Region Geometry and Dynamics in Arp 151 Over Seven Years |
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Keel, Lintott, Maksym, W. Peter, Bennert et al. 2017, ApJ, 835, 256: Fading AGN Candidates: AGN Histories and Outflow Signatures |
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Husemann, Scharwaechter, Bennert et al. 2016, A&A, 594, 44: Large-scale outflows in luminous QSOs revisited. The impact of beam smearing on AGN feedback efficiencies |
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Runco, Cosens, Bennert et al. 2016, ApJ, 821, 33: Broad Hbeta Emission-Line Variability in a Sample of 102 Local Active Galaxies |
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Husemann, Bennert et al. 2015, MNRAS, 455, 1905: The MUSE view on the luminous radio-quiet QSO PG 1307+085: A normal elliptical host galaxy interacting with its environment |
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Bennert et al. 2015, ApJ, 809, 20: A Local Baseline of the Black Hole Mass Scaling Relations for Active Galaxies. III. The Black Hole Mass - Stellar Velocity Dispersion Relation |
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Park, Woo, Bennert et al. 2015, ApJ, 799, 164: Cosmic Evolution of Black Holes and Spheroids. V. The Relation between Black Hole Mass and Host Galaxy Luminosity for a Sample of 79 Active Galaxies |
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Keel, Maksym, Bennert et al. 2015, AJ, 149, 155: HST Imaging of Fading AGN Candidates I: Host-Galaxy Properties and Origin of the Extended Gas |
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Barth, Bennert et al. 2015, ApJS, 217, 26: The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011: Spectroscopic Campaign and Emission-Line Light Curves |
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Barth, Pancoast, Bennert et al. 2013, ApJ, 769, 128: The Lick AGN Monitoring Project 2011: Fe II Reverberation from the Outer Broad-line Region |
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Harris, Bennert et al. 2012, ApJS, 201, 29: A Local Baseline of the Black Hole Mass Scaling Relations for Active Galaxies. II. Measuring Stellar Velocity Dispersion in Active Galaxies |
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Keel, Chojnowski, Bennert et al. 2012, MNRAS, 420, 878: The Galaxy Zoo survey for giant AGN-ionized clouds: past and present black hole accretion events |
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Bennert et al. 2011, ApJ, 742, 107: The Relation between Black Hole Mass and Host Spheroid Stellar Mass out to z~2 |
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Bennert et al. 2011, ApJ, 726, 59: A Local Baseline of the Black Hole Mass Scaling Relations for Active Galaxies. I. Methodology and Results of Pilot Study |
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Bentz, Horne, Barth, Bennert et al. 2010, ApJ, 720, 46: The Lick AGN Monitoring Project: Velocity-delay Maps from the Maximum-entropy Method for Arp 151 |
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Green, Myers, Barkhouse, Mulchaey, Bennert et al. 2010, ApJ, 710, 1578: SDSS J1254+0846: A Binary Quasar Caught in the Act of Merging |
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Bennert et al. 2010, ApJ, 708, 1507: Cosmic Evolution of Black Holes and Spheroids. IV. The BH Mass - Spheroid - Luminosity Relation |
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Bentz, Walsh, Barth, Baliber, Bennert et al. 2009, ApJ, 705, 199: The Lick AGN Monitoring Project: Broad-Line Region Radii and Black Hole Masses from Reverberation Mapping of Hbeta |
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Lintott, Schawinski, van Arkel, Bennert et al. 2009, MNRAS, 399, 129: Galaxy Zoo: `Hanny's Voorwerp', a quasar light echo? |
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Bennert et al. 2009, ApJ, 695, 276: A Search for H2O Megamasers in High-z Type-2 AGNs |
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Bennert et al. 2008, ApJ, 677, 846: Evidence for merger remnants in early-type host galaxies of classical QSOs |
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Canalizo, Bennert et al. 2007, ApJ, 669, 801: Spectacular shells in the host galaxy of the QSO MC2 1635+119 |
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Bennert et al. 2006, A&A, 459, 55: Size and properties of the narrow-line region in Seyfert-1 galaxies from spatially-resolved optical spectroscopy |
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Bennert et al. 2006, A&A, 456, 953: Size and properties of the narrow-line region in Seyfert-2 galaxies from spatially-resolved optical spectroscopy |
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Leipski & Bennert 2006, A&A, 448, 165: [O III] profile substructure in radio-quiet quasars |
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Bennert et al. 2006, A&A, 446, 919: Size and properties of the NLR in the Seyfert-2 galaxy NGC 1386 |
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Bennert et al. 2004 A&A, 419, 127: Spectral characteristics of water megamaser galaxies II. ESO 103-G035, TXS 2226-184, and IC 1481 |
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Bennert et al. 2002, ApJ, 574, L105: Size and structure of the Narrow-Line Region of quasars |
Mindfulness, Meditation and Work-Life Balance
The importance of mental health and the need for finding the right balance between work and life is something that is rarely, if ever, talked about, especially in academia. Yet, many students and faculty alike feel the stresses of modern life and suffer from the pressure to constantly perform, achieve and produce. According to the American College Health Association, students reported stress, anxiety, sleep trouble and depression as the top four impediments to academic achievement, and 9 of the 10 top factors are mental health and/or coping skills related. Throughout my career and particularly as an undergraduate research mentor, I have been approached by numerous students reaching out for help in their own individual struggles. The resulting uplifting conversations inspired me to offer workshops on mindfulness, meditation and work-life balance.
To balance my work as a teacher and researcher, I have been practicing various forms of meditation and body-awareness practices for more than 20 years and have also participated in numerous personal growth workshops.
For more information, please visit this webpage.