We study issues of engagement, equity and access to science, with a special focus on under-represented groups in science. Areas include integrating art into science learning (STEAM), science identity, field science communities of practice, and communicating the value of real and immersive science learning experiences. We work in both out-of-school and in-school contexts with educators and youth, using multiple approaches to elucidate outcomes including design-based research: iterative cycles of design, implementation, analysis and redesign.

Research in microwave remote sensing focuses on high-resolution monitoring of Earth systems from space. We develop sophisticated radar techniques for observing surface movements and deformation, ecosystem changes and atmospheric processes. Using satellites, we do so across vast areas: this is all the more important in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, where permafrost degradation, glacier retreat and changes in sea-ice regimes, though pervasive, are difficult to monitor locally. In a multidisciplinary spirit, our research program combines signal processing and data science with geophysics, environmental science and hazard response. We collaborate extensively with partners at UAF, across Alaska and in the U.S., and have strong working relationships with NASA, the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency.

We study the geologic processes and histories of other planetary bodies in the solar system. Our goal is to explain how and why these bodies became different from Earth. Imaging, topography and gravity data collected by planetary missions are processed and analyzed with much of the same software and techniques used for our group’s terrestrial studies.

The dramatic loss of Arctic sea ice in recent decades is one of the most striking changes taking place on the planet. At the Geophysical Institute, we study sea ice to understand how these changes interact with the climate and ecosystem, and what this means for those who live in the Arctic or whose lives are touched by it.

The team focuses on integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System and developing new payload sensors to map natural hazards across Alaska and the Arctic, as well as supporting search and rescue operations and Arctic domain awareness. Our researchers analyze airborne remote sensing measurements using visible-to-infrared payloads on both small (less than 55 pounds) and large (greater than 55 pounds) UAS. Our research and educational development efforts are integrated into the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration.

We apply space-borne (visible to infrared) observations to analyze volcanic activity and erupted products. Our group analyzes time-series measurements from high-temporal frequency data to understand the thermal output from ongoing and precursory volcanic activity. We have developed algorithms to derive volcanic cloud and plumes properties for validation and calibration of ash and gas dispersion modeling. Our team has connections to the GI volcanology group and the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI).