October EMS Postdoc Spotlight

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Dr. Eduardo Perez Macho, Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Advised by Dr. William Bristow

I’ve been involved in space weather research since my PhD degree in Brazil, focusing on analyzing the ionospheric dynamics, which are influenced by the solar activity, primary within low and medium latitudes and spanning a 11 years period, encapsulating and entire solar cycle. The importance of this research is that the ionosphere, located beyond the altitude of 100 km, impacts signals from high-orbiting satellites, especially those responsible for navigation, such as GPS. This interactions can make the navigation inaccurate or even unavailable. For this studies, we use several equipment: ionosonde, a specialized radar that emits signals vertically and gauges the time taken for them to return; GPS receiver, which measures the total electron content from the satellite to the receiver, so it is able to infer the electron density, and also analyses the scintillation of the signal; VLF (Very Low Frequency), an ionospheric device that is able to evaluate the traveling signal over very long distances; and riometer, which is an old kind of antenna that captures signal from the galactic center, so we know its absorption in the ionosphere.

My postdoctoral research continues the ionospheric studies, particularly focused on a very powerful HF radar called SuperDARN, composed by an array of 20 antennas at each site. The main purpose of this radar is to understand the plasma convection within high and medium latitude regions, among many other objectives. The SuperDARN is an international network with 35 radars, and our research group is responsible for four of them – two in Antarctica and two in Alaska.

 

What has been most gratifying about this research is the opportunity to embark on expeditions to remote locations, where our equipment is installed. Two great experiences include my expedition to the Brazilian Station in Antarctica, and an expedition to two remote sites in Alaska. The plan for this year is to return to Antarctica, where I will visit two different American Stations – McMurdo, the most populated station, capable of supporting up to 1500 people, and Amundsen-Scott, at the very hearth of South Pole.

June EMS Postdoc Spotlight

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Dr. Aagje Eijsink,

Aagje in front of a geothermal pool in New Zealand

Advised by Dr. Derek Elsworth

I moved to State College about a year ago, in May 2022 to join the Penn State Rock Mechanics Lab, after finishing my PhD degree at the Marum – Center for Marine Environmental Science in Bremen. I have always been interested in earthquakes even though they are not exactly common in the Netherlands, where I come from. I started doing laboratory rock friction experiments during my Bachelor degree at Utrecht University. For my Master thesis, I briefly ventured into the outdoors by studying rocks from a Precambrian subduction zone, but I decided that I prefer to study rocks in controlled laboratory experiments. Although it is not possible to see the rock during experiments, it is possible to control many of the variables, and measure what is going on inside the deformation device. The controlled environment that enables us to figure out exactly what is going on inside rock during the deformation process and sometimes earthquakes, is why I like this part of science so much.

There are many different types of rock friction experiments, but in general, we apply stress conditions that are representative for a specific setting inside the earths’ crust and then move one side of the laboratory ‘fault’ relative to the other. That way, we can study how the applied forces behave during sliding, specifically the frictional behavior of the fault. In my past work, I have studied a range of variables and how they influence friction and sliding stability, including fault surface roughness, host rock stiffness, lithology and interlayer water of clay minerals. The project that I work on at Penn State is about geothermal energy, and is focused mostly on the response of faults to increased temperatures and the permeability of faults during sliding. Geothermal energy is a great source of sustainable energy, but understanding the risks of induced seismicity and maintaining high levels of permeability to sustain enough flow of water to the surface to generate electricity are key components that have to be understood better before it can be widely adopted as a source for electricity.

                

Agje with the Nittany Lion in the All Sports Museum and setting up all sensors for an experiment in the pressure vessel.

Outside of research, which was the main reason to come to Penn State, I really enjoy living in State College, but especially the area around here. Although I enjoy spending time in nature in general, one of my favorite things to do in my free time is swimming, preferably in natural lakes, of which there are plenty around.

May EMS Postdoc Spotlight

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Dr. Jena Jenkins, Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

Advised by Dr. William Brune

I’ve been a post doc in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science for about a year, but I first came to the department in 2017 as a graduate student. Previously, I had been working as an analytical chemist supporting preclinical drug safety testing, so applying to graduate programs in the atmospheric sciences was an unusual career move. But it’s a move I’m glad I made.

 Jena generating sparks in the laboratory.

As a graduate student and now as a postdoc, my research has focused on how lightning and other electrical discharges in the atmosphere affect atmospheric chemistry and composition. In particular, I’m interested in the prodigious amounts of a molecule called hydroxyl radical generated by these discharges. The first step in removing many pollutants from the atmosphere is reaction with hydroxyl radical, so understanding all the sources of hydroxyl is key to understanding air quality. Most of my research is conducted in the laboratory, using a Tesla coil to generate different types of electrical discharges and laser-induced fluorescence to measure the resulting hydroxyl. But last summer I also went storm chasing in Texas and Louisiana to observe the hydroxyl-producing potential of electrical discharges in real thunderstorms.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy trying new arts and crafts, reading books from any genre, and meandering around campus and town.

Behind-the-scenes tour of EMS Museum Collections!

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We have a new event for your calendars – we have organized a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the EMS Museum Collections with the Collections Manager for the EMS Museum, Patti Finkle!
  • Date: Wednesday 17th May
  • Time: 4pm
  • Location: off campus in the Special Services Building (Standing Stone Lane, State College)
  • Partners & family welcome
So that we can confirm numbers and coordinate lifts for those who need them, please RSVP here by Weds 10th May: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Tjy8gOBAhk21QdxFvd5SCgDsvgpk1SYPvndcNqHetlM/edit?usp=sharing
Please don’t hesitate to email us and/or post on the PoEMS slack channel if you have any questions.

Nittany Meadow Farm Visit

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We are thrilled to invite you to a visit to Nittany Meadow Farm on Sunday, April 16 at 6:00 PM. This family-owned farm is located at 227 Nittany Meadow Farm Lane in Boalsburg, and we have reserved a special 30-minute time slot to play with their friendly goats. For postdocs who are feeling the stress of the end of the semester, spending time with these adorable animals can be a great way to boost your serotonin levels and recharge your batteries. And for families with kids, it’s a fun and educational activity that everyone can enjoy.

The visit is open to anyone ages 5 and up, and we’ll have plenty of time to explore the farm and meet some of the other animals as well. If you’ve never been to Nittany Meadow Farm before, you’re in for a treat – the owners are passionate about sustainable farming and animal welfare, and their commitment to ethical practices is evident in everything they do.

More info on the goat visit can be found at https://www.nittanymeadowfarm.com/goat-visit. If you would like to attend, please fill out this Google Form for yourself and any minors. Also, please email carstens@psu.edu if you would like to attend and need a ride. The exact cost varies based on the group size, but it should be in the ballpark of $15 per person.

April EMS Postdoc Spotlight

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Dr. Livio Santos, Energy and Mineral Engineering

                 

Advised by Dr. Arash Dahi Taleghani

As a postdoctoral researcher specializing in geomechanics, my work centers on the critical aspect of wellbore integrity in the energy industry. Through years of developing both experimental and numerical research, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of the importance of preventing fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas operations.

One area of particular interest to me has been the application of smart and nano materials in wellbore engineering. By incorporating these advanced materials into my research, I’ve been able to explore new ways of improving the strength and durability of wellbore structures, which helps minimize the risk of leaks and other failures. During my postdoc, I also expanded my research to include the rapidly growing field of geothermal energy, incorporating machine learning techniques to better understand subsurface reservoir behavior. I’m proud to have co-authored a book on wellbore integrity, which summarizes many of the advancements in the field.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the area through activities like biking in the Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. This year, I’ve challenged myself even further by training for the Happy Valley Ironman 70.3. It’s been a tough but incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m excited to see what I can achieve on race day!

 

PoEMS Research Showcase – Thank you!

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We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out to our first Research Showcase! We were so thrilled to see such a great turnout and all the engagement from our attendees.

We also want to give a big shoutout to all the amazing presenters who took the time to share their research with us. We were blown away by the range of topics and the innovative approaches used in each presentation. It was an incredibly insightful experience, and we learned so much from each other. We’re already taking notes on how to make next year’s showcase even better!

Thanks again to all who attended and made our first Research Showcase such a success. We can’t wait to see you all again next year for an even bigger and better event!