Graduate Students

Overview

The research program provides students with a fundamental background in atmospheric physics, including geophysical fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, chemistry and electrodynamics of the ionosphere-thermosphere-mesosphere system and its coupling to the atmospheric layers below and to the Sun above. Thesis topics are related to satellite data analysis, modeling and theoretical studies.

Requirements

I am seeking highly motivated students with a strong background in physics or, if significant course work in physics has been taken, an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science, chemistry, engineering, mathematics or meteorology. Previous experiences with atmospheric physics and computer programming are not required, but students are expected to have a strong interest in accquiring such skills. General information about the graduate program and admission can be found here.

Current Opportunities

I have a number of new NASA and NSF sponsored projects that involve analyzing data from the ICON, GOLD, COSMIC-2 and TIMED satellites, along with collaborating with other researchers at various universities and research centers across the country, and aerospace companies. RA or TA+summer support is available, depending on qualification. Right now, I am particularly looking for students interested in studying how recurring meteorological events impact the neutral dynamics and plasma distributions in Earths upper atmosphere and ionosphere, a hot topic at the forefront of space physics.