FDSS Track 1: Integrating Research and Education in Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Atmosphere Coupling at Clemson University

The Faculty Development in geoSpace Science (FDSS) opportunity aims to integrate geospace science--to includes solar and space physics and space weather research--into natural sciences, engineering or related departments at U.S. institutions of higher education and stimulate the development of undergraduate or graduate programs or curricula capable of training the next generation of leaders in geospace science. Clemson University will create an FDSS tenure-track position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

The focus for the new FDSS hire is on the integration of research and education in magnetosphere-ionosphere-atmosphere coupling. The scientific objectives are to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the physical processes that govern the prevailing space weather conditions in the uppermost reaches of Earth’s atmosphere. Broader impacts include educating the next generation of leaders in a field of increasing importance for a technological society.

Through new courses and by leveraging existing outreach programs, the new hire will significantly increase the university’s ability to engage the public in space weather, particularly with K-12 students from underserved and underrepresented groups, and strengthen first-generation undergraduate student engagement in space sciences.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.