My current focus is ionosphere-thermosphere coupling at Mars using the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) Mission satellite. I am also involved with the calibration of MAVEN's Langmuir Probe and Waves (LPW) electron density and temperature measurements.

The primary purpose of my work is calibration and analysis of data obtained from the Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instrument on the Van Allen Probes spacecraft. This includes:1. Research project leader in the quality assurance (calibration), analysis, and interpretations of cold plasma density measurements2. Being a resource to members of the scientific community in satellite data 3. Electric Field Instrument Burst mode data management4. Software Development for research application5. Publication of research results in peer reviewed scientific journalsThe Van Allen Probes are a twin pair of satellites orbiting the Earth carrying identical sets of instruments with which they collect data to help us study the radiation belts. Because they consist of highly energetic particles, the radiation belts present a hazard to satellites and astronauts. They can also interact with the ionosphere and upper atmosphere effecting the ozone layer and atmospheric chemistry. For these reasons, it is important to have a clear understanding of the processes that control the radiation belt intensity and variability. The electric field and plasma density are known to play a role in these radiation belt dynamics. The focus is to understand the role played by electric fields and cold plasma density in the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere and how these effect energization, transport, and loss of energetic particles, especially those in the radiation belts. These data are used in conjunction with data and data products from the several other instruments onboard the Van Allen Probes, both by the EFW and the other instrument teams. Assurance of data quality, calibration of data, optimizing efficiency of data analysis techniques though innovation of computer tools, and working with colleagues both local and at other institutions are major components of the work performed.

Space Physics research

Earned a major in physics, and minors in math and philosophy