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Research Motivation
My research endeavors are centered around advancing our understanding of the fundamental processes governing solar and astrophysical plasmas, with a particular focus on both microscale and macroscale phenomena. My motivation is driven by the need to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying solar eruptions, space weather dynamics, and fundamental plasma processes.
Solar eruptions, such as interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and corotating interaction regions (CIRs), play a critical role in shaping the heliospheric environment and influencing space weather. Investigating these phenomena is crucial for understanding their impact on planetary magnetospheres, including geomagnetic storms and cosmic ray modulation. The interaction of these solar features with space plasma offers insights into the fundamental processes of plasma physics and space weather forecasting.
My research utilizes in-situ measurements from spacecraft missions like ACE, Wind, Helios, Parker Solar Probe (PSP), and MMS. It focuses on plasma waves, including electromagnetic and electrostatic waves, MHD waves, plasma turbulence, micro-instabilities and temperature anisotropy, thermodynamics, and current sheets. These areas are critical for developing theoretical models that explain the observed behaviors and instabilities within the solar wind and other space plasma environments. My research's overarching goal is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of plasma processes within the heliosphere and their implications for space weather phenomena.
Research Interest
ICME & CIR Dynamics: Examination of the dynamics, evolution, and morphological changes of ICMEs and CIRs as they propagate through the heliosphere. Focus on the local structural evolution, deformation mechanisms, and their impact on space weather phenomena, including magnetic reconnection, shock formation, and particle acceleration.
Solar wind Turbulence: Exploration of the nature and properties of turbulence in solar wind structures. Research includes the study of energy injection, cascade processes, spectral breaks, and dissipation mechanisms across multiple scales. Special emphasis on the role of turbulence in energy transfer, particle heating, and its connection to magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and kinetic processes. In-depth study of role of waves and current sheets in turbulence dissipation.
Waves in Plasma: Investigation of both electrostatic (e.g., electrostatic solitary waves, ion acoustic waves, double layers) and electromagnetic waves (e.g., Whistler waves, Alfvén waves, EMIC waves) across diverse space plasma environments. This includes analysis of wave-particle interactions, dispersion characteristics, propagation properties, and their role in plasma heating and energy transfer.
Micro-Instabilities in Space Plasma: Study of temperature anisotropy-driven micro-instabilities in space plasma, including key regions such as the solar wind, Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejections (ICMEs), Corotating Interaction Regions (CIRs), and the magnetosheath. Emphasis on understanding instability thresholds, growth rates, and their implications for plasma dynamics and turbulence.
Thermodynamic Processes in Space Plasma: Analysis of polytropic processes within distinct space plasma environments, focusing on the thermodynamic heating and cooling mechanisms of the solar wind. Investigation of how plasma compression, expansion, and energy dissipation influence the large-scale thermal state of solar wind streams.
Space Weather Phenomena: Investigation of geomagnetic storms and substorms, focusing on solar wind–magnetosphere coupling, energy transfer, and magnetotail dynamics driving global magnetospheric responses.
Cosmic Ray Modulation and Propagation: Investigation of the transport, modulation, and acceleration mechanisms of galactic and solar cosmic rays throughout the heliosphere. Focus on the interaction of cosmic rays with solar wind structures such as ICMEs, CIRs, and turbulence. Research includes studying diffusion processes, drift effects, and scattering by magnetic fluctuations. Emphasis on the role of large-scale solar transients and heliospheric magnetic field variability in cosmic ray intensity modulation and anisotropy.
Collaborative Research Opportunities: Short- and Long-Term Projects
I am seeking highly motivated Master’s students, Ph.D. candidates, and Postdoctoral fellows to join me in both short-term and long-term research projects. Interested individuals are encouraged to review my research experience and interests on my webpage.
In addition to my primary affiliation with the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) at the University of California at Berkeley, USA, I collaborate with faculty members at several prestigious institutions nationally and internationally. This network provides opportunities for involvement in diverse collaborative projects.
Preference will be given to candidates who have secured their own funding or scholarships. Details of research projects with available funding will be posted on my webpage.
Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in exploring collaborative opportunities, engaging in research projects, or discussing topics related to solar and heliospheric physics.
Earth's Magnetosphere and Electrostatic Solitary Wave within Magnetosheath
ICME Induced Cosmic Ray Modulation
ICME Induced Cosmic Ray Modulation
CIR Induced Cosmic Ray Modulation
CIR Induced Cosmic Ray Modulation
ICME-Induced Geomagnetic Storm
ICME-Induced Geomagnetic Storm
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