FDSS Track 2: Building a Space Physics Program at the University of Texas at Arlington

University Of Texas At Arlington, Arlington TX

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the creation of a new tenure-track faculty position in space physics and space weather, advancing research and curricula to train the next generation of leaders in this important topic. As we rely more heavily upon technologies such as electric grids, aviation, and satellite systems, which are sensitive to conditions in the near-Earth space environment, it is more important than ever to understand the connected Sun-Earth system and space weather. This faculty position, devoted principally to the education and training of future leaders in this science, will make significant contributions to the national interest in addressing space weather hazards. The research priorities for the new faculty member will be on magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. They will advance our understanding of the transport of energy and momentum among the Earth's ionosphere, thermosphere and magnetosphere and characterizing space weather impacts on critical infrastructure and technological systems using modeling and data sciences technology. The faculty member will help develop new courses, integrate data science into space science to generate more research opportunities for students and offer science public outreach. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.