Last summer, students in the College of Science, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources and College of Engineering began working on research projects funded by the Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium. The grant recipients, including eight graduate students and three undergraduate students, are studying a range of problems in astrophysics and the atmospheric sciences.
“The Nevada NASA Space Grant gives our students an incredible opportunity to tackle cutting-edge research and make real contributions to their fields,” Thomas White, Clemons-Magee Endowed Professor in Physics and advisor to two grant recipients, said. “It’s not just about the science—it’s about building careers, gaining hands-on experience, and working alongside mentors and NASA scientists in a collaborative research community. The projects supported by this grant explore big questions in astrophysics, planetary science, and advanced materials, pushing the boundaries of what we know. We’re truly grateful for this support in helping train the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Many of the students presented their work at the Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium Annual Statewide Meeting, participating in poster sessions, presenting, and networking with students and faculty from across the state whose work all advances the scientific missions of NASA.
This material is based upon work supported by the Nevada National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Grant Consortium under Grant No. 80NSSC20M0043.
The students each shared their projects, how their projects will contribute to their field of study, and how the grant program supported their work.
Johanne Albrigtson
Mentor: Richard Plotkin
Project: Studying galaxy ecosystems and how ultra luminous X-ray sources interact with their host galaxies
How this project will contribute to your field of science: I conduct research in subarctic ecosystems in Denali National Park, Alaska that are currently experiencing rapid vegetation shifts to understand how these widespread changes impact carbon and water cycling.
How this program has helped your project: NASA Space Grant funding has allowed me to build upon my current dissertation work by pairing my empirical, field-based data with NASA remote sensing products. I am leveraging remote sensing data to understand how changes I'm observing through my field measurements can be captured by remote sensing products and thus can be predicted at larger scales.
Ivan Altunin
Mentor: Richard Plotkin
Project: Identifying the source of ultraviolet emission powering He II lines in metal-poor dwarf galaxies
Progress or exciting results: Since receiving the award, I’ve been focused on setting up the necessary computational tools to model the stellar populations within galaxies. This has enabled us to obtain measurements for several crucial parameters from our sample of relatively young and nearby galaxies by studying their spectrums - galactic “fingerprints” made of light. These measurements include the chemical composition of the stars within these galaxies and an idea for how and when stars formed within these galaxies.
This is all in an effort to investigate the very peculiar signature found in the spectrum of these galaxies of helium being bombarded by intense UV radiation, strong enough to strip away both of its electrons. Preliminary results show that the current stellar population is insufficient, and the mystery has been further amplified. Furter efforts have been made to study whether rapid increases in the stellar population in the near-past may contain clues including producing more X-ray sources.
To this end, I have recently started mentoring University undergraduate Ryan Tanner, who has been helping me analyze the X-ray data coming from these galaxies. This has been a rewarding experience and has helped expand the multi-wavelength reach of the project.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: It is a very exciting time to be in the field of astronomy as recent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed surprisingly mature galaxies in the early universe, leading to a crisis in understanding how they could have formed so quickly. By studying similar galaxies in the current universe—specifically metal-poor star-forming dwarf galaxies — we can gain insights into the processes that may have led to the formation of these early galaxies. The ionized helium line that we see in the spectrum is very much like a fingerprint in the cosmic mystery and may contain clues.
How this program has helped your project: The Nevada NASA Space Grant Graduate Fellowship has helped the project in multiple ways. The original proposal writing process was instrumental in growing my skills as a research scientist as well as helping motivate the direction of the project to follow the mission directives set by NASA. This has not only helped increase the scientific robustness of the research but also the impact that it may have. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the ability it gave me to work on this research at the University under the direction my amazing mentor and advisor Dr. Richard Plotkin.
Evan Doe
Mentor: Yan Wang
Project: Role of interface mixing on coherent phonon mode-conversion in aperiodic superlattice
Progress or exciting results: This project seeks to advance our understanding of the mechanics of heat propagation in nanoscale thermo-electronic devices. We utilize the molecular dynamics-based phonon wave-packet method to simulate how phonons transmit through materials featuring secondary periodicity, such as superlattices. A phonon, which quantifies the vibrations of atoms in solids, is the primary carrier of heat in most semiconductors and insulators.
I initiated my training in these research methodologies related to molecular dynamics simulations at the end of the spring semester of 2024. Throughout the summer, I conducted test simulations to learn the wave-packet method. In doing so, I identified a criterion for simulation configuration that would be faster (but still as accurate) than the existing methods our group utilized. This accomplishment allowed us to begin our current project on investing phonon behavior in superlattices containing mixed interfaces, a research topic our group previously did not pursue due to computational cost. I commenced the simulation phase of this project at the beginning of the fall semester of 2024.
Thus far, the project’s results show that interface mixing can enhance phonon transmission in the aperiodic superlattice (disordered interface arrangement) while suppressing transmission in the periodic superlattice (ordered interface arrangement). These findings suggest critical differences in phonon mode conversion in aperiodic and periodic superlattices. We are presently working on analyses of the simulated phonon dynamics to provide deeper insight into phonon physics. Most studies of phonon transport in superlattices have only analyzed the physics indirectly through macroscopic quantities like thermal conductivity.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: By enhancing our understanding of phonon transmission, we can facilitate the production of more efficient thermoelectric materials. Materials with improved energy conversion efficiency can tackle challenges in renewable energy, such as excessive waste heat in energy production and over-reliance on fossil fuel sources. Furthermore, efficient thermoelectric materials can expand the mission capabilities of NASA rovers and probes that utilize thermoelectricity for power generation.
How this program has helped your project: The NASA Space Grant has facilitated my involvement in undergraduate research, enabling me to prepare thoroughly for the graduate program I intend to apply for. This scholarship plays a pivotal role in supporting my advancement in engineering research. The financial assistance from this grant has provided the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from leading experts at a Tier 1 research institution. This experience has equipped me with essential skills and knowledge that will be invaluable for my graduate studies and my future aspirations of becoming a researcher and educator.
Celime Garcia
Mentor: Yeongkwon Son
Project: Comparing NASA aerosol optical depth data products and filling gaps with low-cost sensors built by Garcia to bridge knowledge gaps
Progress or exciting results: I have finished collecting all of the data regarding the research project and begun a preliminary analysis. The data collected were different aerosol optical depth (AOD) products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the NASA Aqua and Terra satellites, ground pm2.5, temperature, pressure, scattering, humidity, ground AOD measurements from a CIMEL spectral radiometer on the roof of the University physics building via NASA’s AERONET network, and planetary boundary layer heights from a LiDAR via NASA’s MPLNET network (also at the University). All of the ground data is collected from the low-cost sensors Yeong and I make as well as the Purple Air sensors located in our region. The three different products have varying resolutions ranging from 1 degree (which is about a 111-kilometer distance coverage with respect to the latitude and 87-kilometer distance coverage with respect to the longitude in this region) to 10 kilometers, and finally to 3 kilometers. I am currently investigating the differences in AOD measurements between the 3-kilometer and 10-kilometer products and so far, I am seeing good correlations, but I need to see a larger sample before I can say anything definitive.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: I am hoping that this project will contribute to my field of science by identifying the most impactful factors on correlations between ground and remote data.
How this program has helped your project: This program has been integral to my project. This opportunity has given me the opportunity to learn so many new methods regarding spatial data that I would not have otherwise been exposed to. My favorite part of the program I'm in is that I am learning so many new things that I previously had no familiarity with. This has been the most exciting project I've ever worked on and there is never a boring day. Those a part of the Nevada NASA Space Grant are some special people. The funding for research like this is never overlooked and I am elated to have received this grant.
Theodore Maranets
Mentor: Yan Wang
Project: Understanding fundamental phonon wave physics with computational tools
Progress or exciting results: Heat transfer at the nanoscale (device size on the order of nanometers) is greatly affected by the wave dynamics of phonons, quantized modes of atomic vibrations that are the primary carriers of heat in non-metallic materials. This poses both challenges and opportunities in the development of modern nanometer-sized technologies.
The main challenge is that phonon wave effects cause heat transfer to behave completely differently than at macroscopic (millimeter and higher) length scales we are familiar with. Consequently, we can’t use our well-established understanding of macroscale heat transfer in the engineering of nanoscale thermo-electronic devices such as computing chips, which require robust cooling systems to prevent overheating. Thus, there is a great need for a better understanding of the wave nature of phonons at the nanoscale. Particularly, a focus must be placed on determining how phonon waves interact with nanostructures, whose sizes are similar to or smaller than the phonon wavelengths.
The opportunity in this dilemma is that we can use our improved understanding of phonon wave dynamics to design novel materials that manipulate phonon waves towards controlled thermophysical properties. For example, superlattices (SLs) consisting of alternating layers of two materials, can modify phonon wave behaviors towards ultra-low thermal conductivity, a result desirable for improved energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials used as power sources for a range of space missions, including lunar and Martian explorations.
Our project’s goal is to develop a holistic understanding of phonon wave physics in SLs with the aim of guiding design of performance thermal devices utilizing SL structures. The primary merit of our research is that we investigate phonon wave behaviors through direct computational modeling of phonon wave interactions in molecular dynamics simulations. Most studies have only analyzed phonon behaviors indirectly through thermal conductivity calculation (or measurement in the case of experiment). Consequently, our research has revealed new insights into the fundamental physics of phonon waves.
We recently demonstrated that the previously reported decrease in thermal conductivity of aperiodic SLs (disordered interface arrangement) with decreasing temperature can be attributed to reduced transmission of wave-like phonons with heightened spatial coherence. Furthermore, in an adjacent study, we showed direct evidence of a phonon mode-conversion effect in periodic SLs (ordered interface arrangement) that was extensively hypothesized in existing literature but not directly proven until our work. Additionally, we showed this effect can also occur in aperiodic SLs, thus facilitating non-trivial thermal conductivity which was previously unaccounted for.
We now are focusing on investigating how the wave states of phonons in SLs change with the size of the device.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: Nanoscale heat transfer is still a nascent topic in material science, with most great developments occurring in the last decade. As the energy demands of our society increase, a robust understanding of phonon waves in heat transfer applications is critical towards a safer, cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Our research on phonons in SLs certainly contributes to this effort. We have presented our results in several peer-reviewed journal publications and professional conferences and have received much enthusiasm from other scientists about the progress we’ve made.
How this program has helped your project: The Nevada NASA Space Grant graduate fellowship has provided crucial support for our research. Specifically, the award has financially assisted with my doctoral education. I’ve been enabled to expand and diversify my research interests at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´, thus contributing to the increasing prominence of the University as an elite R1 institution and the state of Nevada as a location for impactful scientific research.
Michael Martin
Mentors: Lei Yang, ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´; and Hans Moosmüller, Desert Research Institute
Project title: Advancing predictive modeling in Darth Science through Artificial Intelligence
Progress or exciting results: Wildland fires present significant challenges in Nevada, as highlighted by the 2024 Davis Fire, which adversely impacted ecosystems, hydrology, air quality and surrounding communities. Additionally, traditional models based on linear regression or empirical relationships for one or two drivers may fail to capture the complexity of wildfire smoke emissions. Moreover, these models are computationally expensive and rely on a limited understanding of the complex fire processes parameterized within the models, which can lead to reduced output accuracy.
The emergence of machine learning (ML) approaches as well as its deep learning subset offer a promising solution to these challenges by enabling the integration of large, multidimensional datasets to capture complex, nonlinear relationships between multiple input variables to predict future outcomes that may be challenging or impossible to detect using traditional methods. I proposed developing ML-based predictive models as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to traditional models to improve fire-weather predictions and reduce uncertainties. I developed this independent research through my motivation to design and implement efficient ML-based models to help enhance decision-making and resilience against the adverse effects of wildfires on the environment and human life.
In my research, I leveraged multidimensional NASA satellite remote sensing retrievals to develop data-driven ensemble explanatory models and advanced deep learning architectures, where I evaluated the accuracy and validity of these models using various statistical techniques. My work also involved extensive data analysis, visualization, managing large-scale datasets and handling complex big data challenges. I developed well-structured and efficient code to refine methodologies, optimize performance and ensure continuous reliability. These algorithms can be successfully applied to a range of environmental problems, including air quality and wildfires.
Moreover, the project findings indicated that the long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN) is one of the most effective approaches for time series analysis of wildfire smoke emissions. Additionally, LSTM required significantly less time for the training and validation phases compared to the prior ensemble methods while improving and maintaining accuracy.
Currently, I am exploring convolutional neural networks (CNNs), as I am interested in comparing them to the RNN method I used, as well as investigating a hybrid approach to observe both accuracy and performance. CNNs excel at handling spatial data, while RNNs are better suited for temporal data, making this comparison particularly intriguing.
I have documented my findings through detailed technical reports to ensure my results and methods are accessible and reproducible. I am currently developing a manuscript for a peer-reviewed publication, and plan to present the research results at the NASA statewide meeting in March 2025.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: This NASA research has deepened my commitment to leveraging computer science and technology for impactful, real-world applications in the pursuit of solutions that address global challenges to serve communities at local, national and international levels.
Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of wildfires in the western U.S., I was determined to apply my computer science skills to address these critical challenges and bridge the gaps in these multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research fields.
I went directly to my office at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) campus regularly after my classes at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ to immerse myself fully in actively achieving the best possible outcomes of this project. I actively engaged in science talks and research discussions at DRI to enhance my understanding of applying computer science principles to analyze NASA big data associated with wildfires and develop more accurate predictive models.
How this program has helped your project: My research and academic goals are focused on developing meaningful, technology-driven solutions that have a tangible impact. To achieve these goals, I independently developed a research proposal, which was awarded funding through NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Fellowship. Considering the highly competitive nature of this grant among numerous statewide applicants, I am truly humbled by this recognition and the valuable opportunity it provides.
This NASA research award also provided me with the opportunity to expand my professional network and collaborate with fast-paced multidisciplinary research teams at the DRI, which has profoundly shaped my approach in tackling complex challenges and strengthened my out-of-box thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for both independent research and collaborative teamwork to bridge gaps and find solutions for research challenges across multidisciplinary fields.
I am sincerely grateful to NASA for investing in undergraduate researchers like me and allowing us to contribute meaningfully to NASA’s mission. The Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium has been instrumental in advancing my research and fostering valuable connections within the scientific community. I also wish to thank my research advisors, Dr. Yang at the ÍƼöÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ and Dr. Moosmüller at DRI, for their support and valuable research insights throughout this project. The insights and experiences I have gained will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors as I continue to pursue innovative, technology-driven solutions to address critical challenges and improve human life. I look forward to building on this foundation and applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to future projects that align with NASA’s goals and vision.
Caleb Patton
Mentor: Petros Voulgaris
Project: Magnetic map fidelity for alternative navigation using convolutional neural networks
How this project will contribute to your field of science: Navigation in robotics refers to the process of determining where in the world your robot is located. This is often accomplished by using a Global Navigation Satellite System sensor, more commonly known as Global Positioning System (GPS). However, GPS may not always be available, even if a robot has the proper equipment. In this scenario, alternative navigation techniques must be used. One alternative method, Magnetic Navigation or MagNav, involves measuring the Earth's magnetic anomaly field and matching this to a “map” held in the robot’s memory. Unfortunately, the file size of these maps quickly becomes prohibitively large when attempting to localize to the same precision as GPS. My method aims to solve this problem by learning a representation of the Earth’s magnetic field, so that a neural network can take magnetic measurements from the robot’s sensors and convert them into the robot’s position.
How this program has helped your project: The funds provided by the Nevada Space Grant Consortium have provided me the opportunity to not only hone my skills on a self-directed project, but also to pursue research that is prescient to industry and my field of state estimation.
Jessica Peterson
Mentor: Petros Voulgaris
Project: Real-time aerodynamic modeling and control of optimum power-off glide performance during emergency forced landings
Progress or exciting results: Jessica’s research leverages real-world flight test data collected on the T-38 jet trainer at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School (USAF TPS), recently released for academic research. She proposes a real-time aerodynamic performance modeling method to optimize power-off glide performance during loss-of-thrust emergencies, a critical need as powerplant failure remains a leading cause of accidents in general aviation. Her research applies to both manned and autonomous vehicles, aiming to improve survivability through better aerodynamic knowledge and flight path management. Currently, Jessica’s work involves the application of data-driven performance modeling methods to T-38 "Space Shuttle" approach sorties conducted by USAF TPS. These sorties simulate the no thrust, low lift-to-drag glide profiles experienced during the Space Shuttle’s reentry and landing. Having successfully demonstrated her methods in the offline modeling of recorded flight data, Jessica’s next step is to apply them to real-time scenarios, paving the way for optimized path planning and enhanced emergency procedure capabilities.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: This project has the potential to advance the field of flight performance modeling by introducing real-time data-driven methods for optimizing glide performance in emergency scenarios. By bridging the gap between offline modeling and real-time applications, it contributes to improved safety and reliability in both manned and autonomous aviation, particularly in mitigating the risks associated with powerplant failure.
How this program has helped your project: The Nevada NASA Space Grant has provided the opportunity for Jessica to focus on her passion for the development of modeling methods and automation to reduce aviation mishaps. Through the program she has received both financial and mentorship support.
Sarah Shores Prins
Mentor: Thomas White
Project: Investigating thermal conductivity of planetary interiors using the OMEGA laser facility
Progress or exciting results: This year, we achieved a major milestone in our research. After a year of meticulous preparation, we had an extraordinary day at the Omega 60 laser facility, one of the most powerful and advanced laser systems in the world. During this campaign, we successfully conducted 12 laser shots on a specially designed tiny, embedded wire to simulate the conditions close to the core-mantle boundary of rocky planets. These experiments aim to understand how heat flows across this critical planetary interface. The data we collected is being analyzed to create a density profile that matches our observations. This will allow us to calculate the thermal conductivity of the materials found deep within planetary interiors. The initial results are promising, and I’ve already presented this work at the APS Division of Plasma Physics conference, with plans to present at several more conferences in the coming year.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: Understanding the thermal conductivity of materials under extreme conditions is vital for modeling the internal dynamics and evolution of Earth-like planets. This research will provide experimental data to validate theoretical models, reducing uncertainties about heat transfer under extreme conditions similar to those found at the core-mantle boundary. The results could improve our understanding of planetary magnetic fields, which are critical for shielding life from harmful cosmic radiation. Additionally, this work advances the field of laboratory astrophysics by demonstrating how we can recreate and study planetary interior conditions using state-of-the-art facilities like the Omega laser. By bridging astrophysics and experimental techniques, our research not only addresses fundamental questions about Earth and exoplanets but also establishes methods that will benefit future studies of extreme environments in the universe.
How this program has helped your project: The fellowship has been a tremendous support, allowing me to focus on my research without financial stress. It has helped cover essential living expenses and enables me to travel to the OMEGA laser and important conferences, where I connect and present my work to a broader scientific audience. These opportunities have not only advanced my research but also connected me with leading experts in the field, fostering collaborations that will benefit the project and my professional growth.
Jaya Sicard
Mentor: Thomas White
Project: Simulating an experiment to measure the thermal conductivity of warm dense magnesium oxide
Progress or exciting results: Last semester, I was able to simulate an experiment that would use x-rays to heat magnesium oxide to the "warm dense" state, an exotic state of matter that exists in planetary cores. Our simulations show that we are able to create the necessary temperatures and pressures to mimic planetary core conditions while maintaining the integrity of our magnesium oxide sample. This work will serve as the foundation for future experiments on the OMEGA laser, one of the biggest lasers in the world.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: Magnesium oxide is a compound abundant in the lower mantle that plays a critical role in planetary evolution for Earth and other Earth-like planets. Because scientists can't directly measure the thermal conductivity of such materials at the center of the earth, we must turn to experiments at high-powered laser facilities to recreate planetary interior conditions. As we learn more about the thermal conductivity of warm dense magnesium oxide, we move closer to understanding its behavior in this state and its impact on planetary formation. This provides exciting data meaningful to the astrophysics and plasma physics fields.
How this program has helped your project: Thanks to the support provided by this program, which alleviated significant financial stress, I was able to devote more of my time and focus to the lab. I consequently was able to concentrate on data analysis and thoroughly engage in the various aspects of the project, ensuring progress without the distraction of financial concerns. Furthermore, participation in this research has enabled me to attend and present at two conferences this semester and allowed me to attend a major experiment at the OMEGA laser facility.
Nico Vagner
Mentor: Andrei Derevianko
Project: Observing dark matter using GPS satellite atomic clocks. (My progress has been the removal of false positive detections of dark matter)
Progress or exciting results: Identification of various kinds of false positive events. We have, at least for now, narrowed our search to 40 events, down from 8506 events two years ago.
How this project will contribute to your field of science: If we find dark matter, then we've found dark matter. If we don't, then we've added a data point against the existence of dark matter. Aside from that, a lot of our work is as much physics as it is just dealing with the unknowns of the GPS constellation, so our secondary contribution is working out how to use GPS atomic clock data in this way.
How this program has helped your project: The Nevada NASA Space Grant provided sufficient funds that I could pay my tuition with just scholarships and research wages, meaning that I could spend more working on the research project than I otherwise could. The proposal/application that I wrote for the scholarship also became my application for an APS DAMOP poster presentation and eventually turned into the base for my thesis.
