I am interested in plasma astrophysics from the experimental point of view. Much of the universe is in the plasma state and we are just coming to appreciate the role of plasma dynamics and magnetic fields in the large-scale evolution of astrophysical systems. However, many of the fundamental processes are poorly understood and can only be studied in a limited parameter regime in the laboratory. Examples are magnetic reconnection, collisionless shocks, plasma turbulence, and solar/stellar wind generation and evolution.

My research is focused on developing experiments to understand these processes and, in particular, how microscale, kinetic phenomena, affect large-scale plasma dynamics.

I am increasingly interested in low frequency (LF) radio astronomy. Measurements below 20 MHz are difficult to make on Earth and my group has developed a LF radio polarimetry instrument for space. The spectrum below 20 MHz is dominated by the galactic synchrotron spectrum and discrete sources (including the Sun and outer planets). However below this bright foreground is a faint cosmological signal associated with the thermal physics of the early universe.

Our group at the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) develops, builds, and operates space-borne experiments to study in situ the plasma processes active in astrophysical, heliospheric, and magnetospheric systems. These experiments are flown on NASA and ESA spacecraft missions and are often developed as balloon and sounding rocket payloads. Opportunities exist for student to participate in the design, development, and science on a wide variety of projects at SSL.