Hyunseop (Joseph) Choi earned his PhD at the University of Oklahoma in 2022, and he is currently a postdoctoral researcher at l'Université de Montréal. Collaborating with Dr. Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo, his work focuses on observational studies of AGN feedback. His research is centered on the comprehensive analysis of energetic black hole winds in quasar-mode feedback, specifically through the spectral analysis of absorption lines. A key member and a main contributor to the SimBAL project, he is involved in developing an innovative method for spectral synthesis. He is also a part of the Learning the Universe, a Simons Collaboration, and is a member of the upcoming 4MOST spectroscopic survey. Beyond his research activities, he is actively leading initiatives to advance diversity and inclusion, as well as engaging in science outreach programs.
Title: Unveiling the Physics of Black Hole Winds with Broad Absorption Line Quasars
Abstract: Broad absorption line (BAL) quasars show clear evidence of powerful winds from central supermassive black holes. These winds play a pivotal role in determining the growth and evolution of their host galaxies, central black holes, and the surrounding medium. Although BAL quasars are considered prime targets for studying the black hole winds, their properties have been shrouded in mystery due to the difficulty in analyzing their data. In this talk, I will introduce SimBAL, a novel spectral synthesis software for analyzing BAL quasar spectra our group has developed. It has allowed us to conduct a detailed spectral analysis of a large sample of BAL quasars for the first time. I will demonstrate SimBAL's unique strengths by discussing the results from several projects.