Atmospheric Modeling and Satellite Mission Analysis
I am focusing on using the Global Ionosphere-Thermosphere Model (GITM) created at UMich to create a version for Venus. This involves learning Fortran, IDL, and Python programming.
Initial progress: I'm currently working on a literature review on past Venus missions and atmospheric models to learn about the Venusian atmospheric chemistry. Initial Python and Fortran training has been completed, but more in-depth work will be needed once I start actually modeling. Much of the atmospheric chemistry and physics will come from work already done on the Venus Thermosphere General Circulation Model. Preparation has been completed on the orbital and planetary characteristics, besides the atmospheric chemistry, that will slowly turn the Earth version into Venus
Update (August 2017): After much deliberation and a new version of GITM, I am now transitioning the Mars version over to Venus. The lack of a magnetic field and certain atmospheric qualities make it a closer match than the Earth version. The orbit and general planetary characteristics are now Venusian, so I can start transitioning the atmospheric chemistry!
June 2017 CEDAR (Coupling, Energetics and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions) Workshop Poster