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Rajan Itani
Rajan Itani
Postdoctoral Researcher
Rajan recently earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Currently, he contributes to the realms of academia and space science as a Research Associate. The primary focus of Rajan's research involves developing a "Space Weather Certificate" course, where he actively engages in designing and enhancing the curriculum. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds joy and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. During his leisure time, he enjoys biking and skiing. Additionally, he indulges his creative side through photography, capturing the moments that reflect the beauty of the world around us.
Contact: ritani@alaska.edu
Austin Cohen
Austin Cohen
Research Associate
Raised in a military family, Austin was able to see many locations across the United States. However, Alaska would become his permanent home after his parents’ retirement from the Air Force. Following his graduation from high school, Austin made his way to Fairbanks to study Physics. After receiving his BS in Physics, he joined UAF as a Research Assistant and is currently working towards a Master's degree in Space Physics. Austin is an integral part of the SWUG Program, running the High School Student and Educator Development Programs, in addition to working on the magnetometer deployments across Alaska. Austin's hobbies include music and character modelling, with a professional interest in STEM outreach.
Contact: adcohen2@alaska.edu
Gabrielle Nowak
Gabrielle Nowak
PhD Student
Gabby Nowak is a Ph.D. student in space physics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She is working on applying machine learning techniques to predict geomagnetic processes. She hopes to implement this approach to the prediction of geomagnetically induced currents that threaten modern power systems. In addition to schoolwork and research, Gabby spends her time hiking, kayaking, and walking her dog.
Contact: gnowak@alaska.edu
Pralhad Itani
Pralhad Itani
PhD Student
Pralhad is from the country that has the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, Nepal. He obtained his Master's degree in physics from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Now he is a graduate student in physics at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and is currently working on applying machine learning and data analysis techniques to analyze statistical patterns of ionospheric convection derived from polar SuperDARN HF radar observations. Outside of school he likes doing social service, reading novels, playing, skiing and travelling.
Contact: pitani@alaska.edu
Austin Smith
Austin Smith
PhD Student
Austin Smith is a Ph.D. student in physics and is currently investigating interhemispheric asymmetries of Joule heating in Earth’s Ionosphere-Thermosphere during geomagnetic storms. Eventually, he hopes to apply these results to help understand the Ionosphere-Thermosphere effects on the magnetospheres of the outer planets. Outside of school and research, he enjoys hiking, reading, and travelling the world. Contact: asmith155@alaska.edu.
Jonah Barkley-Griggs
Jonah Barkley-Griggs
Undergraduate Student
Jonah is presently an undergraduate student in the physics program. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree with the intent to continue on to a Master's and is considering eventually pursuing a PHD as well. Currently, Jonah is working in the SWUG program and is really excited to see what may come of our efforts. Jonah's hobbies include: running, backpacking, cycling, skiing, rock climbing, golf, chess, and photography.
Contact: jsbarkleygriggs@alaska.edu
Jan Erik Fitzner
Jan Erik Fitzner
Undergraduate Student
Jan is a visiting undergraduate physics student from Tübingen, Germany. He primarily works at the JHU/APL EZIE project and is excited to expand his previous theoretical studies by applied skills as a Research Assistant at the Geophysical Institute. Jan likes to spend his free time outdoors hiking or skiing and therefore is a huge fan of Alaska. His other hobbies include playing water polo, cycling and travelling the world.
Contact: jefitzner@alaska.edu
Alumni
Alumni
Hunter Barndt, Graduated in 2023.
Jasmine Kobayashi, Graduated in 2021, UC Boulder.
Joe Rm, Graduated in 2021, Entrepreneur.
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