The Teams
PUNCH Associate Investigator (AI) Team
PUNCH has instituted a program to recognize and encourage early-career scientists working with the Science Team on problems that support and enhance PUNCH mission science. PUNCH Associate Investigators (AIs) pursue science projects with collaboration and mentorship from PUNCH Co-I(s), attend team meetings, participate in PUNCH working group activities, and present at PUNCH science meetings. They act as liaisons, communicating PUNCH science to the broader community and community needs back to the project. In this way, they help grow the PUNCH user base, and also benefit from the career-enriching experience of being embedded in a NASA mission at an early stage of their careers.
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Raphael Attié
George Mason University and NASA GSFC
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1A (co-lead)
Education
Ph.D. in Solar Physics, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (Germany) & Technische Universität Braunschweig, 2015
M.Sc. in Astrophysics, Université Paul Sabatier (Toulouse, France), 2006
Professional Background
NASA Postdoctoral Fellow (NPP), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 2017-2019
Solar Physicist, Royal Observatory of Belgium, 2016-2017
PUNCH Role
Research & Development of plasma flow tracking techniques; Error Analysis of flow fields involving MHD simulations and data assimilation.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Attié is a leading expert in the science of mapping solar plasma flows at multiple scales from real observations. Using STEREO/COR2 data, he is working toward the preparation of data products for mapping solar wind flows with PUNCH.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Raphael Attié specialized into the tracking of solar plasma flows using spaceborne instrumentation. He has worked with data from various missions, SoHO, STEREO, Hinode and SDO and is the author of highly accurate solar plasma flow tracking algorithms. In 2017, Dr. Attié was awarded the NASA postdoctoral fellowship to work on photospheric flows for characterizing emerging active regions with SDO data. In 2019, he started to develop his tracking techniques further to include the mapping of solar wind flows.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
Tremblay, B., Attie, R., 2020, “Inferring Plasma Flows at Granular and Supergranular Scales With a New Architecture for the DeepVel Neural Network”, Front. Astron. Space Sci., 7, 25
Attie, R., Kirk, M.S., Thompson, B. J., Muglach, K., Norton, A. A., 2018, “Precursors of magnetic flux emergence in the moat flows of active region AR12673”, Space Weather, 16
Attie, R., Innes, D.E., Solanki, S.K., Glassmeier, K.-H., 2016, “Relationship between supergranulation flows, magnetic cancellation and network flares”, A&A, 596, A15
Attie, R., Innes, D.E., 2015, “Magnetic Balltracking: tracking the photospheric magnetic flux”, A&A, 574, A106
Rohit Chhiber
University of Delaware and NASA GSFC
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1A,
1B, 1C (co-lead)
Education
PhD in Physics, University of Delaware, 2018
MSc in Physics, Jawaharlal Nehru University (New Delhi, India), 2009
BSc in Physics and Mathematics, University of Rajasthan (Jaipur, India), 2006
Professional Background
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Delaware and NASA GSFC, 2018 - 2022
Research Associate III, University of Delaware and NASA GSFC, 2022 - present
PUNCH Role
Numerical support for PUNCH via global solar wind modeling: Large-scale context simulations; properties of the Alfvén zone.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Chhiber studies the solar wind and space-plasma turbulence using global MHD modeling with turbulence transport, MHD turbulence simulations, and analysis of in-situ spacecraft datasets. He has used global solar wind simulations with turbulence transport modeling to study the properties of the Alfvén zone.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Chhiber has a particular interest in the interplay of large-scale heliospheric structure with turbulence; this has included studies of energetic particle and field-line diffusion in the solar wind, modeling of subgrid-scale effects in global simulations, and analyses involving multi-spacecraft measurements (MMS, Helioswarm). Dr. Chhiber is PI of two major NASA grants.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
R. Chhiber, W. H. Matthaeus, A. V. Usmanov, R. Bandyopadhyay, and M. L. Goldstein. An extended and fragmented Alfvén zone in the Young Solar Wind. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 513(1):159 167, 03 2022
M. Cuesta, R. Chhiber, et al. Isotropization and Evolution of Energy-Containing Eddies in Solar Wind Turbulence: Parker Solar Probe, Helios 1, ACE, WIND, and Voyager 1. ApJ,
R. Chhiber, A. V. Usmanov, W. H. Matthaeus, and M. L. Goldstein. Large-scale Structure and Turbulence Transport in the Inner Solar Wind: Comparison of Parker Solar Probe's First Five Orbits with a Global 3D Reynolds-averaged MHD Model. ApJ, 923(1):89, December 2021
D. Ruffolo, W. H. Matthaeus, R. Chhiber, et al. Shear-driven Transition to Isotropically Turbulent Solar Wind Outside the Alfvén Critical Zone. ApJ, 902(2):94, 2020
R. Chhiber, A. V. Usmanov, W. H. Matthaeus, and M. L. Goldstein. Contextual Predictions for the Parker Solar Probe. I. Critical Surfaces and Regions. ApJS, 241:11, March 2019
Samaiyah Farid
NCAR: High Altitude Observatory
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 2A
Education
Ph.D Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, 2020
M.S Physics, Alabama A&M University, 2004
B.S Physics & Mathematics, Alabama A&M University, 2002
Professional Background
High Altitude Observatory, Project Scientist I, 2022-current
Heising-Simons Postdoctoral Fellow,Yale University, 2020-2022
Pre-doctoral Fellow, Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian, 2017-2020
Support Scientist II, University of Alabama-Huntsville
Support Scientist II, Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian
PUNCH Role
Investigate how the structures observed in lower corona manifest in PUNCH outer coronal white light coronagraph image data and how their relationship could answer key Heliophysics science questions. Develop tools for white light data that can be applied to PUNCH analysis.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Farid specializes in understanding the thermal and magnetic evolution of coronal jets using space-based observations and 3D models. Her current research investigates the manifestations of jets, plumes, and other reconnection-driven features in white-light coronagraph data, specifically, Mauna Loa K-coronagraph and the Upgraded COronal Multi-channel Polarimeter (UCOMP) instruments.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Farid is working with the PUNCH outreach team to promote heliophysics and lead eclipse-related outreach to diverse communities.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
The Topological Evolution of an Unwinding Coronal Jet, S.Farid, A.Savcheva, S.Tassvev, K.Reeves, Astrophysical Journal, 12/2022
Magnetic Reconnection Null Points as the Origin of Semirelativistic Electron Beams in a Solar Jet, Chen, Bin,Yu, Sijie, Battaglia, Marina, Farid, S., Savcheva, Antonia,Reeves, Katharine K.,Krucker, Säm; Bastian, T. S., Guo, Fan, Tassev, Svetlin, Astrophysical Journal, 10/2018
Evidence for Multiple Acceleration Mechanisms in Coronal Jets, S.Farid, N.Soto, A.Savcheva, K.Reeves, Astrophysical Journal, under revision.
Bea Gallardo-Lacourt
USRA & NASA/GSFC
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1A
Education
Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UCLA, 2016
M. S. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UCLA, 2012
B.S. in Applied Physics, University of Santiago, Chile, 2008
Professional Background
NASA postdoctoral program fellow, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 2019-Present
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Physics, University of Calgary, 2017-2019
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, UCLA, 2011-2016
PUNCH Role
Associated investigator working on flow mapping of solar wind structures
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Gallardo-Lacourt's research interests include studying magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes from high to mid-latitude ionosphere. She has vast experience working with a wide variety of ground-based instruments and satellite data. Currently, Dr. Gallardo-Lacourt is working on implementing the optical flow method to investigate auroral plasma motion and solar wind structures.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Gallardo-Lacourt has investigated ionospheric flow structures at auroral and subauroral latitudes, and the origin and statistical characteristics of a new ionospheric optical signature dubbed Steve. Dr. Gallardo-Lacourt’s community service is extensive, she is currently the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere editor for the AGU (American Geophysical Union) Book publications. In addition, she is an active member of AGU where she also serves as a North American representative in the Global Engagement committee.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
Gallardo-Lacourt, B., Y. Nishimura, L. R. Lyons, E. V. Mishin, J. M. Ruohoniemi, E. Donovan, V. Angelopoulos, and N. Nishitani (2017), Influence of auroral streamers on rapid evolution of ionospheric SAPS flows, Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics., 122, 12.
Gallardo-Lacourt, B., Y. Nishimura, L. R. Lyons, J. M. Ruohoniemi, E. Donovan, V. Angelopoulos, K. A. McWilliams, and N. Nishitani (2014), Ionospheric flow structures associated with auroral beading at substorm auroral onset, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 119, 9150-9159.
Forsyth C., Sergeev V.A., Henderson M.G., Nishimura Y., and Gallardo-Lacourt B. Physical Processes of Meso-Scale, Dynamic Auroral Forms. Space Sci Rev 216, 46 (2020).
Chris Gilly
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1C
Education
PhD Candidate in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2022 (est)
M.S in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder, 2018
B.S. in Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015
Professional Background
Graduate Research Assistant, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, 2015 – 2022 (est)
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2013-2015
Heliophysics REU, National Space Science and Technology Center, Summer 2014
PUNCH Role
Associate Investigator: Forward Modeling PUNCH-like Observations
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
- Statistical Radial Normalization – designed a method which increases contrast in coronal images
- STRIA and BLOBS – wrote IDL modules for the FORWARD toolkit in SSW
- GHOSTS – wrote Python code for forward modeling off-limb coronal spectroscopy
- Attended 3-4 conferences each year
Supporting Experience
- Leadership
- AGU SPA Student Rep, 2020–2021
- SHINE Student Rep, 2020–2021
- SPS Secretary, 2014-2015
- Graduate Committees
- Admissions, 2018
- Comprehensive Exams, 2017
- ommers-Bausch Observatory, 2016
- Outreach
- Production Manager at Fiske Planetarium, Host at Sommers-Bauch, 2018-2022
- Public Speaker at Fiske and Westercon, 2016-2022
- Physics Demo Author + Host, 2014-2015
- Teaching
- Instructor for ASTR 1000, Tutor + TA for many years
- Author of Boulder Junior Astronauts
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
Gilly, C. R. and Cranmer, S. R., “The Effect of Solar Wind Expansion and Nonequilibrium Ionization on the Broadening of Coronal Emission Lines”, The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 901, no. 2, (2020). doi:10.3847/1538-4357/abb1ad
Francesco Pecora
University of Delaware
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1B
Education
Ph.D. in Plasma physics, University of Calabria (Italy), 2021
M.S. in Astrophysics, University of Calabria (Italy), 2017
B.S. in Physics, University of Calabria (Italy), 2014
Professional Background
Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Delaware, 2021 - present
PUNCH Role
Numerical support with MHD turbulence simulations: recovery of density structures and turbulence properties from Forward synthesis of white-light data.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Pecora has worked with several turbulence simulation codes, from MHD to PIC, and he has frequently combined simulations with observations from several different spacecraft.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Pecora is currently working on the synergistic combination of MHD turbulence simulations with the Forward toolset. The possibility of extracting white light images from PUNCH-like observations within simulated space environments gives the unmatched opportunity to compare the precision of mass density reconstruction as well as to infer basic turbulence properties.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
F. Pecora, Y. Yang, S. Gibson, N. Viall, R. Chhiber, C. DeForest, and W. H. Matthaeus, “Magnetohydrodynamics turbulence simulations: a testing ground for PUNCH” (in prep)
Elena Provornikova
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 2A,
2B
Education
Ph.D. in Solar Physics and Mechanics of Fluid, Gas and Plasma, Space Research Institute of Russian Academy of Science (Russia), 2013
M.Sc. in Theoretical Mechanics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (Moscow Russia), 2009
Professional Background
Senior Professional Staff, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, 2020 -
Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, 2018 - 2020
NASA LWS Jack Eddy Postdoctoral Fellow, Naval Research Laboratory, 2015 - 2018
Postdoctoral Fellow, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, 2013-2014
PUNCH Role
Support data synthesis effort for PUNCH by providing MHD simulations of interplanetary coronal mass ejections.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Provornikova is a leading expert in MHD simulations of propagation and evolution of solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the inner heliosphere. Using a coupling of GAMERA inner heliosphere model driven by WSA-ADAPT and Gibson&Low CME model, she performs simulations of interplanetary CMEs with internal flux rope and provides an input to data synthesis tools for PUNCH.
Supporting Experience
Using GAMERA MHD model, Dr. Provornikova develops a time-dependent model of the inner heliosphere driven by changing WSA-ADAPT maps which enables to improve an accuracy of the solar wind background description.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
Provornikova, E. A., Laming, J. M., Lukin, V.S., “Reflection of Fast Magnetosonic Waves near a Magnetic Reconnection Region”, ApJ, 860, 138, 2018
Provornikova, E. A.,Ofman, L., Wang, T., “Excitation of flare-induced waves in coronal loops and the effects of radiative cooling”, Adv. in Space Res., 61, 645, 2018
Provornikova, E. A., Laming, J. M., Lukin, V.S., “Plasma Compression in Magnetic Reconnection Regions in the Solar Corona”, ApJ, 825, 55, 2016
Yan Yang
University of Delaware
PUNCH Associate Investigator: WG 1B
Education
Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics, Peking University (China), 2018
B.S. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Peking University (China), 2012
Professional Background
Research Assistant Professor, Southern University of Science and Technology (China), 2020-2021
Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow, Southern University of Science and Technology (China), 2018-2020
PUNCH Role
Associate Investigator working on compressible MHD turbulence and its detectability with density sensitive measurements in PUNCH.
Experience Relevant to PUNCH
Dr. Yang's research interests include MHD turbulence, solar wind and plasma turbulence, and computational fluid dynamics. She is an expert on the nature of turbulence in compressible MHD, especially the compressibility effect on the multiscale properties of turbulence. She is working on simulations of compressible MHD and providing test dataset for PUNCH.
Supporting Experience
Dr. Yang employs analytical, computational, and observational methods to study the cross-scale energy transfer process ranging from MHD scales to kinetic scales, with applications to dissipation and heating in space plasmas. Her research on MHD and plasma turbulence was published as a book titled “Energy Transfer and Dissipation in Plasma Turbulence”.
Selected Publications Relevant to PUNCH
Y. Yang, M. Wan, W. H. Matthaeus, and S. Chen, “Energy budget in decaying compressible mhd turbulence”, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 916, A4, 2021.
Y. Yang, W. H. Matthaeus, Y. Shi, M. Wan, and S. Chen, “Compressibility effect on coherent structures, energy transfer, and scaling in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence”, Physics of Fluids, vol. 29, no. 3, p. 035 105, 2017.
Y. Yang, Y. Shi, M. Wan, W. H. Matthaeus, and S. Chen, “Energy cascade and its locality in compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence”, Physical Review E, vol. 93, no. 6, p. 061102, 2016.
Y. Yang, M. Wan, Y. Shi, K. Yang, and S. Chen, “A hybrid scheme for compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence”, Journal of Computational Physics, vol. 306, pp. 73–91, 2016.
R. Kieokaew, B. Lavraud, Y. Yang, W. H. Matthaeus, D. Ruffolo, J. E. Stawarz, et al., “Solar Orbiter observations of the Kelvin-Helmholtz waves in the solar wind”, Astronomy & Astrophysics, vol. 656, A12, 2021.
D. Ruffolo, W. H. Matthaeus, R. Chhiber, A. V. Usmanov, Y. Yang, R. Bandyopadhyay, et al., “Shear-driven transition to isotropically turbulent solar wind outside the alfvén critical zone”, The Astrophysical Journal, vol. 902, no. 2, p. 94, 2020.
