About

Updated: 04/06/2025

Hej, everyone! I’m Floor van Donkelaar, a computational astrophysicist currently based in Zürich. I’m pursuing my PhD at the University of Zürich in the group of prof. dr. Lucio Mayer, where I’m fascinated by galaxy formation and evolution, with a particular focus on late-type galaxies like our own Milky Way at high redshift. Starting October 1st, I’ll be joining the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge as a Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellow, where I hope to continue this work.

Main research interests: The formation and evolution of galactic components in disc galaxies at high redshift and the role of stellar clusters by means of (cosmological) simulations.

My research, I hope to gain a clearer understanding of these processes by delving into various aspects of galactic structures. This includes investigating galactic structures such as stellar clumps, intermediate mass black holes, the galactic centre, stellar migration, disc formation, gas accretion, and much more. Currently, I’m studying the fate of thin discs formed at redshift above 4 using the GigaEris cosmological, N-body hydrodynamical “zoom-in” simulation. And the properties and formation of high-redshift high-stellar-mass clumps, and probable formation paths for little red dots using the MassiveBlackPS simulation. Additionally, I’m beginning pre-work on developing a subgrid model specifically designed for high-redshift star clusters within massive galaxies and galaxy clusters. We are also putting the final touches on a completely new large-scale cosmological simulation modeling a ∼100 cMpc volume of the Universe, the Phoebos simulation, so keep your eyes out for that one!

My academic journey led me to Switzerland after completing my master’s degree in astrophysics at Lund University in Sweden, and my bachelor’s in sociotechnical engineering (with a minor in modern physics) at the University of Twente in the Netherlands.

In my spare time, I’m passionate about public relations, especially when it comes to social media. I’m genuinely fascinated by how these algorithms work and I enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart them 🙃. Over the years, I’ve taken on a variety of roles in this area, including some voluntary positions, which you can check out on this page. Right now, I manage the public relations and graphic design for the women’s rugby team at Grasshopper Club Zürich Rugby, where I’m also an active player. Outside of rugby and PR, I’m a true Dutch cycling enthusiast love my bike and have even grown to enjoy the challenge of cycling uphill here in Switzerland.