FTPP - Alabama Physics

05/28/2026

ISWC is bringing students from around the world together to learn about space weather, experience new places, and dive into immersive learning through engaging lectures and hands‑on projects as they explore new ideas together.🌎🚀

Intern Spotlight: Katherine Shipman is excited to visit a new country, learn from different perspectives, and represent UAH while taking part in a global learning experience.🛸

✨Read the full story — link in bio!✨

05/18/2026

🛰️ UAH Space Science graduate students Zeping Jin, Yiming Jiao, and Prashant Baruwal each led first-author studies on solar wind physics: Jin analyzed proton heating across interplanetary shocks, Jiao investigated turbulence changes using Parker Solar Probe data, and Baruwal studied the evolution of solar wind fluctuations using coordinated Solar Orbiter and Wind observations.

➡️ Read more: https://alabamaphysics.com/graduate-student-first-author-publications-space-science-at-uah/

05/14/2026

NSF EPSCoR FTPP was proud to be represented at the Heliophysics Coalition Congressional Fly-in in Washington, D.C. by Laura Provenzani, FTPP Education, Outreach, Engagement, and Proposal Coordinator, alongside UAH Space Science graduate students Syed Raza and Madelyn Noll.

The group joined scientists, educators, and students from across the country in meetings with Congressional offices to advocate for continued investment in heliophysics, space weather research, STEM education, and the future scientific workforce.

Heliophysics research helps protect and advance critical technologies that impact daily life, including satellite communications, GPS, aviation, power grids, and space exploration. 🌞🛰️ We are so proud to represent The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR on the national stage while supporting the future of space science and STEM leadership.

05/08/2026

Day two of the 2026 FTPP Annual Meeting was incredible! Yesterday was filled with student and postdoc research presentations, career talks from guest speakers, panel discussions, and student awards. It was another great day of learning and connecting with our FTPP team! 🚀

05/07/2026

Day one of the 2026 FTPP Annual Meeting is in the books! It was a great day of connecting, sharing research, and strengthening collaboration across our FTPP network. Excited for another great day ahead! 🚀

04/27/2026

We’re proud to recognize three outstanding FTPP staff members: Laura Provenzani, Dr. Lingling Zhao, and Dr. Vinoy Thomas, for their recent awards and honors! 🎉

Their achievements reflect the dedication, innovation, and excellence of the FTPP team, and we are extremely proud of their hard work!

🔗 Visit https://alabamaphysics.com/ftpp-staff-recognition-recent-awards-honors/ to read the full article!

04/27/2026

We’re proud to recognize three outstanding FTPP staff members: Laura Provenzani, Dr. Lingling Zhao, and Dr. Vinoy Thomas, for their recent awards and honors! 🎉

Their achievements reflect the dedication, innovation, and excellence of the FTPP team, and we are extremely proud of their hard work.

Visit the News section on alabamaphysics.com/ftpp-staff-recognition-recent-awards-honors/ to learn more!

04/24/2026

FTPP / Alabama Space Grant / CSPAR hosted a high school visit on April 22nd!

During a recent visit to the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR), around 24 students in the “I LEAD, YOU LEAD” program experienced one of our favorite IMAP activities.

As part of this visit, primarily sophomore and junior students, engaged in the IMAP “Achieving Orbit” activity. The lesson introduced key rocket principles, including thrust, propulsion, and staging.

Throughout the session, our graduate students offered the students a glimpse into the world of space science.

04/15/2026

Katherine Sofia Sierra Meléndrez is an FTPP graduate student working group leader at Auburn University whose research focuses on applying cold plasma to improve food safety systems 🧪

Her leadership helped guide her team to a 2nd place finish in the 3-A SSI 2026 Student Hygienic Design Competition, showcasing an innovative solution to enhance milk powder safety and advance hygienic design practices 🧬

🔗 You can find the full article linked here: https://alabamaphysics.com/ph-d-student-at-auburn-university-led-her-team-to-2nd-place-in-hygienic-design-competition-with-an-innovative-cold-plasma-solution/

Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University

Katherine, AU Ph.D. student, led her team to second place in the SSI 2026 Student Hygienic Design Competition with Air Based Cold Plasma Proposal.

04/10/2026

FTPP had a great time attending STEM Day at Alabama A&M University! Our graduate students volunteered as poster judges, supporting AAMU undergraduate students as they presented their research. Plasmy even made an appearance to join in the fun! 👀⚡️

Bonus: We spotted a cold plasma research poster in collaboration with FTPP investigators at both AAMU and UAH, exploring its effects on water uptake and seed germination. 🌱

02/23/2026

🚨 DEADLINE EXTENDED! ONE MORE WEEK TO APPLY! 📝

Good news! The deadline to apply for our three internship programs has been extended. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

⭐ ISWC – Study space weather and space physics in this fully funded international experience with UAH & the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Earn course credit while gaining hands-on research experience in a rapidly growing field.

⭐ CIPTA – Work directly with private companies on real-world projects in plasma science and artificial intelligence while building professional skills through industry-based experiences.

⭐ RIPP – Explore undergraduate research opportunities across 6 institutions in Alabama and find the project that’s right for YOU.

📅 New Deadline: Sunday, March 1
Learn more and apply through the link in our bio!