Benjamin Vigneron is a PhD student in astrophysics at the University of Montreal, having joined Professor Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo's research group in the fall of 2020.

During his bachelor’s studies at Laval University in Quebec City, Benjamin completed two internships aimed at strengthening his expertise in data analysis and gaining experience in astrophysics research. In 2018, under the supervision of Professor Hélène Courtois at Claude Bernard Lyon I University in Lyon, France, he analyzed radio observations of distant galaxies from the Green Bank Telescope. Additionally, he carried out a student research project under Professor Laurent Drissen at Laval University, where he cataloged planetary nebulae detected through SITELLE observations of the galaxy Messier 33.

For his Master’s research, Benjamin focused on high-spectral-resolution observations of the filamentary nebula surrounding the galaxy NGC 1275, obtained with SITELLE. His analysis revealed a central, turbulent, and bright structure contrasting with the more quiescent outer filaments.

Benjamin’s current PhD research builds upon this work, centering on the study of the [SII] emission line doublet to probe the density of these optically emitting filaments. Additionally, using ESPaDOnS spectro-polarimetric observations at extremely high spectral resolution, he aims to disentangle multiple emission components within the spectra of the filaments and explore potential signatures of magnetization within them.

Benjamin is also actively involved in the XRISM Collaboration, which will soon deliver groundbreaking high-spectral-resolution X-ray observations of galaxy cluster environments. He is leading two projects within this collaboration, focusing on the multiphase nature and multi-temperature properties of these complex environments.