Graduate SDL "Tomorrow Fellowship" in Solar Physics

The Physics Department at Utah State University (USU) announce the availability of a Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) “Tomorrow Fellowship” for graduate research in solar physics. This fellowship is intended for research in optical solar astrophysics, to be jointly performed at USU, Logan, Utah, and at the National Solar Observatory (NSO), Sunspot, New Mexico.

Opportunity

Research areas appropriate for this fellowship will center around high spectral resolution, polarimetry, and high spatial resolution imaging of solar magnetic fields and solar activity. The student will work on developing the appropriate interfaces between observations and magnetohydrodynamic models of solar activity. This includes researching eruptive phenomena such as solar flares and mass ejections. Skills acquired during this research will include areas such as observational astrophysics, analytical and numerical physics-based modeling, and image processing. The research opportunities could include design of experimental and analytical methods by observing time on the NSO Dunn Solar Telescopes and other ground- and space-based telescope facilities using state-of-the-art instrumentation. The USU research team includes plasma physicists studying fusion plasma containment as well as space researchers in the Center for Atmospheric and Space Sciences (CASS) studying the Sun-Earth connection through the National Space Weather Program (NSWP) and NASA’s Living With a Star (LWS) program. The USU Space Dynamics Laboratory, which develops state-of-the-art space-based telescopes for both Earth remote sensing and astrophysical purposes, is a partner in this research opportunity.

Who is Eligible?

This research opportunity is aimed at graduating seniors or Masters students majoring primarily in physics and mathematics. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference will be given to students with prior education in areas such as: optics, atomic physics and spectroscopy, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, hydrodynamics, mathematical methods, numerical computational experience, and observational astrophysics; and data processing experience. Research experience in any area will carry additional merit.

The Fellowship

The fellowship is funded for a maximum of $90,000 spread over 3-5 years depending on the candidate’s qualifications and degree(s). USU and NSO are committed to affirmative action and equal research opportunities.

Application Process

Contact: Karalee Ransom, Academic Advisor

Physics Department

Utah State University

4415 Old Main Hill

Logan, UT 84322-4415

Phone: (435)797-4021

Fax: (435)797-2492

e-mail: karalee@cc.usu.edu

For additional information on research, contact:

Dr. J. J. Sojka, CASS/USU, Phone: (435)797-2964; e-mail: sojka@gaim.cass.usu.edu

Dr. K. S. Balasubramanium, NSO, Phone: (505)434-7134; e-mail: bala@nso.edu