As the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to observe the universe in unprecedented detail, its findings are challenging the models we have used to understand how galaxies are formed. 

Our guest this week is Mike Boylan-Kolchin, an associate professor of astronomy at The University of Texas, Austin. Mike’s research focuses on theoretical astrophysics and cosmology, including galaxy formation and the nature of dark matter, so part of his research has been to follow JWST’s observations closely.

In this episode, we asked Mike about how he got into astrophysics, what recent JWST observations mean for our understanding of galaxy formation, and which future projects and developments in astronomy he is most excited about.