Mackenzie Ticoras

Astrophysics and Computational Math, Science, and Engineering Graduate Student at Michigan State University

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

About Me

Hi! I'm Mackenzie Ticoras, a fourth year dual-PhD student in Astrophysics and Computational Math, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. My research focuses on investigating the spatial and kinematic structure of the ionized plasma surrounding galaxies, known as the circumgalactic medium (CGM). I use the high resolution FOGGIE simulations to investigate the distribution of hot and cold gas in the CGM. I am particularly interested in understanding how different components of absorption lines connect to the physical cloud structures in the CGM. Additionally, I am currently working on a set of isolated galaxy simulations to investigate the impact of magnetic fields and cosmic rays on absorption features that appear in mock observations. Outside of research, I am passionate about science communication, mentorship, and creating effective and equitable classrooms.

Contact Me

Michigan State University
Department of Physics and Astronomy
567 Wilson Rd, Office
East Lansing, MI 48824

Email Me! scottm59[at]msu[dot]edu

Website Under Construction. Last Updated: 7/21/2026