Logistics Calendar Project Outlines

MSU 2023
Solar and Space Physics REU

Check out what we got up to, and find our individual profiles below!

Program Participants

Lane Scheel

University Affiliation: Valparaiso University

Prospective Degree(s): Physics and Mathematics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Hang Yu

Summer Project Description:

Galactic white dwarf binaries are important sources for space-borne gravitational wave (GW) observatories like LISA. In this project, we will model GW signals by eccentric white dwarf binaries, and test the detectability of such systems.


Justin Riggs

University Affiliation: West Virginia University

Prospective Degree(s): Physics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Jiong Qiu

Summer Project Description:

Solar flares release a large amount of energy stored in the Sun's magnetic field by a mechanism called magnetic reconnection. In this project, student will analyze state-of-the-art observations of flares, and measure properites of magnetic reconnection that governs energy release in flares.


Zoe Schlossnagle

University Affiliation: University of Maryland, College Park

Prospective Degree(s): Physics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Chunming Zhu

Summer Project Description:

Solar flares and coronal mass ejections are intense explosive energy release in the solar system. In this project, students will analyze observations by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory to search for and characterize early signatures, in order to understand physical mechanisms triggering solar eruptions.


Amelia Lee

University Affiliation: Mount Holyoke College

Prospective Degree(s): Physics

Adviser/Mentor: Dr. Rachel Filwett

Summer Project Description:

Solar energetic particles are produced in a variety of explosive solar events, such as by the shocks driven by Coronal Mass Ejections. In this project, students will analyze satellite observations of these particles, and examine their evolution in the heliosphere, which is important for space weather forecast.


Anne Monroe

University Affiliation: Gustavus Adolphus College

Prospective Degree(s): Physics and Mathematics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Aki Takeda

Summer Project Description:

Our Sun is a variable star, and the amount of its radiation rises and falls every 11 years or so. The radiation from the Sun received at the earth (irradiance) varies over the activity cycle, and also varies with the observing wavelength. In this project, we will derive the long-term variation of the Sun's irradiance in soft X-rays.


Katie Linder

University Affiliation: Boise State University

Prospective Degree(s): Physics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Anne Lohfink

Summer Project Description:

Accretion onto black holes is one of the most efficient processes for emitting energy from matter in the Universe. In this project, students will analyze radio observations and study jets from accreting supermassive black holes.


Shrinidhi Nadgouda

University Affiliation: University of Virginia

Prospective Degree(s): Electrical Engineering and Physics

Advisor/Mentor: Dr. Joe Shaw

Summer Project Description:

In this project, we will measure scattered moonlight with polarization imaging, and use these measurements to study the atmosphere. Student will participating in making observational measurements and data analysis.