I am an observational astronomer specializing in mapping the distribution, properties, and internal structure of galaxies across large cosmic volumes in order to address key questions about their formation and assembly history. My work combines statistical analyses of "Big Data" survey programs with targeted observations from premier facilities, especially Keck Observatory. I am particularly interested in the mechanisms that shut down star formation in galaxies and regulate their growth and assembly. As a leader of instrumentation projects for large telescopes, I am also working in the field of "Astrophotonics" to develop new tools that can dramatically enhance the capabilities of future instruments.