What drives the evolution of galaxies? One of the most important factors is energetic feedback from massive stars. The hottest, most massive stars produce vast quantities of UV ionizing radiation, and end their short lives as supernova explosions. These shocks generate hot gas in galaxies and synthesize the chemical elements in the universe. The stars themselves are also responsible for photoionizing discrete nebulae, diffuse interstellar medium, and the early cosmos itself. All of these effects originating from the massive star population are fundamental drivers of galaxy evolution. In addition, the relationships between stellar and gaseous galactic components on all scales form the basis for interpreting observations of galaxies and phenomena in the distant universe.

Sally Oey's research group, Feedback Activity in Nearby Galaxies (FANG), focuses on this massive star feedback to the interstellar and intergalactic medium, on local, global, and cosmic scales.

• Radiative feedback: HII nebulae and photoionized gas
• Chemical feedback: Enrichment processes and galactic chemical evolution
• Kinematic feedback: Supernova-driven superbubbles and galactic superwinds
• Massive stars and clusters