Associate Professor
Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering
Climate & Space Research Building University of Michigan 2455 Hayward Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2143(410) 575-3774
Ph.D., Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan M.S., Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan B.S., Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Michigan
My research centers around topics in heliosphyics which include tracing charged particles in the heliosphere to their sources. In particular, I use heavy ion measurements to study sources of the solar wind, unraveling the physics of coronal mass ejections, and tracing dust and gas particles to their sources and acceleration mechanisms in the heliosphere. In addition to conducting research and maximizing the scientific return of data sets from operational spacecraft including ACE and WIND, I also develop space based ion mass spectrometers, working with a team of scientists and engineers at the University of Michigan. Our most recent project involved the development of portions of the Heavy Ion Sensor (HIS) which will be launched onboard the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter mission in the early 2020s. HIS will measure the chemical composition of the solar wind in the inner heliosphere for the first time. We are also developing innovative new instruments for future missions, including for the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP).
I was born and raised in Michigan and came to the University of Michigan as an undergraduate. I became involved in astrophysics research as an undergraduate and continue to remain actively involved in heliophysics research at the University. In addition to teaching and conducting research, I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with my family.
Outreach directly related to teaching
3/2018 STEAM Fair, Rochester Hills, MI
4/2016 Astronomy on Tap presentation, Ann Arbor, MI
3/2016 Seminar at Eastern Michigan University
2/2014 Saturday Morning Physics public lecture: Where the Solar Wind Blows
2013 Worked with high school student Andrew Carek to involve him in research
2011 Worked with high school student Faith Vowler to involve her in research
2007-2011 Space Weather Exhibit at the Detroit Science Center
Outreach directly related to research
Participation in the NextProf Workshop, September 2014, 2015, 2016.
Maintaining Research Group’s facebook page, disseminating publications, videos created by group members, advertising research, etc.
Attending NSF National Hazards Exhibition on Capital Hill in September 2011 to support research into Space Weather.
Worked with the Detroit Science Center on existing and future exhibits; in particular advising them on development of Starstruck IMAX movie (2007 – 2010).
Developed several MConnex videos, CoE Videos and contributed to related articles (2013 – 2016)
Outreach to local schools involving presentations and demonstrations.
Other
News media coverage of 2014 Nature paper:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/local-hot-bubble-07282014/ http://www.miami.edu/index.php/news/releases/rocket_research_confirms_x-ray_glow_emanates_from_galactic_hot_bubble/ http://www.nature.com/nphys/journal/v10/n8/full/nphys3066.html
http://www.livescience.com/47043-mysterious-xray-sky-glow-explained.html
http://www.universetoday.com/113550/x-ray-glow-evidence-of-a-local-hot-bubble-carved-by-a-supernova/
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/26aug_localbubble/
Outreach that is not part of service, teaching, or entrepreneurship
Outreach with Rochester Adams High School STEAM fair, March 2018.
Outreach activity with elementary school girls, Cromaine Public Library, Hartland, MI, July 2016.
Presentation at the Detroit Tigers Space Day in April, 2015 at Comerica Park.
Coordinator of K-12 Outreach Program for the Michigan Space Grant Consortium. (2001 – 2004)
Coordinator for the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program for underrepresented students, grades 6-8. (2001- 2004)
Coordinator of Future Science, Future Engineering Program sponsored by the Women in Science and Engineering Program. (2001-2004)
Speaker for Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program seminars, panels and events (2003-present, on request).
Organizing Committees:
National
2008 Editors’ Citation for Excellence in Refereeing for Journal of Geophysical Research – Space Physics
2001-2003 NASA Graduate Student Researcher Program Fellowship
2001 Outstanding Student Paper Award, American Geophysical Union Conference
1997-1999 GE Fellowship for Undergraduate Research
Institutional
2018 University of Michigan Willie Hobbs Moore Award: Claudia Joan Alexander Trailblazer Award
2012-2013 University of Michigan College of Engineering Kenneth M. Reese Outstanding Research Scientist Award
2003 University of Michigan College of Engineering Distinguished Achievement Award
Full articles in refereed publications