Dr. Kostadinova obtained her B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in Political Science from Furman University in 2014. She received her Ph.D. in Physics in 2017 from Baylor University. Currently, Dr. Kostadinova is an Assistant Professor at Auburn University’s Department of Physics. Kostadinova has authored a Springer book on employing novel mathematical techniques in the study of energy transport in two-dimensional disordered systems. Kostadinova’s research interests include anomalous diffusion in disordered media with nonlocal interactions, self-organization and stability of dusty plasmas in gravity and microgravity, and the thermodynamics of driven-dissipative systems. Kostadinova applies her analytical models to various real-life problems at the intersection of plasma science, fusion energy, and astro/space physics. Current projects include (i) anisotropic interactions in Plasmakristall-4 dusty plasmas, (ii) energetic electrons from lab to space, (iii) material ablation in extreme plasma conditions, and (iv) production of complex molecules during meteoroid ablation. Kostadinova is a co-founder of Plasma NET (Network for Engagement and Training), chair of Coalition of Plasma Science (CPS), Vice-President for Plasma Science for the Fusion Power Associates (FPA), member of the Fusion Energy Science Advisory Committee (FESAC), member of the Science Advisory Board for LaserNetUS, member of the Executive Committee and chair-elect for the Sherwood Fusion Theory Conference, member of the Executive Committee of IEEE NPSS Plasma Science and Applications Committee (PSAC), and has chaired and served on several APS Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) committees.
Dr. Chris Mehta is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Auburn University and Research Scientist at the United States Coast Guard Academy. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University (2009-2012) in Geology, a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2012-2013,) and a Doctorate in Geology from the University of South Florida (2015-2019) researching both Cosmochemistry and Tropical Cyclogenesis. Dr. Mehta’s research interests include understanding processes that aided in prebiotic chemical processes by using the DIII-D Tokamak to study ammonia formation along with researching spacecraft thermal protection systems. He is currently enrolled at The National Test Pilot School studying flight test and evaluation (performance and flying qualities) for fixed wing aircraft.
Bradley Andrew is currently a PhD candidate at Auburn University in his 3rd year and one of the first members of the IPL Auburn group. He did his bachelor’s in both physics and mathematics at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega. While there he did research and was a coauthor on “Radiative heat loss estimation of building envelopes based on 3D thermographic models utilizing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS)”. His research at IPL focuses on mathematical physics with topics such as Anomalous diffusion, kinetics of plasmas, and spectral theory. With the help of the IPL Team, Bradley designs and organizes the IPL website. His primary career goal is to teach physics as a college professor and provide quality research opportunities of plasma physics for students. Most important to Bradley is his faith and love of Jesus Christ and he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Jessica Eskew is a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University, studying plasma physics with a focus on energetic particle transport in magnetized plasma. Currently, she models energetic electron transport in magnetic islands in DIII-D using TRIP3D to develop a theory on trapping mechanisms in changing magnetic topologies. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she earned my B.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research background encompasses astrophysics (particularly Gravitational Wave Astrophysics with LIGO @ GT), plasma material interactions (SULI @ PPPL), and high-energy nuclear particle physics (Cosmic Rays with NPG @ GSU). Following her undergraduate studies, she taught High School Physics for a year at The Wesleyan School. Jess is deeply passionate about Nuclear Fusion and broader impact. In addition to research, she contributes to the development of APS PhysicsQuest educational kits for classrooms and serves on the APS Committee of Women in Physics and Advisory Board for the APS Gender Inclusive Physics Community. Outside of her physics pursuits, Jess enjoys being outside (especially at the beach!!!) exercise, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. Follow her on TikTok to see more of her physics adventures @thatplasmagirl :)
Zachary Brooks Howe (He/Him/His) is a Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University currently studying anisotropic dust grain interactions in microgravity dusty plasmas. He is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and received his B.S. in physics and B.A. in music from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio in May of 2022. At Wittenberg, he worked under Dr. Jeremiah Williams in the field of dusty plasma, analyzing data from the Plasmakristall-4 (PK-4) experiment on board the International Space Station. He has been a graduate student at Auburn since the Fall following his graduation from Wittenberg, and began working in the Interdisciplinary Plasma Laboratory under Dr. Evdokiya Kostadinova in the Summer of 2023. Since then, he has focused on the development of data-driven methods for application to dusty plasma physics, to understand and characterize the anisotropic dust grain interaction potential observed in the PK-4 plasma discharge. He graduated with his non-thesis Master’s in physics in May of 2024, and is continuing to work towards his Ph.D. in physics from Auburn. Brooks is passionate about teaching and education in physics, and hopes to become a professor of physics one day.
David Goymer is a second year at Auburn University majoring in Physics. David uses image processing techniques in order to analyze data from the microgravity dusty plasma experiment, Plasma Kristall-4. Using this data, David is working to better our understanding of the interaction potential of dust particles in plasma.
William Messenger is a Junior in Software Engineering at Auburn University. His research is focused on the application of Statistical and Machine Learning methods to Plasma Physics data, specifically data from Auburn University’s Compact Toroidal Hybrid (CTH) fusion device. William is focusing on the effect of magnetic field configuration on the mechanisms and conditions that produce disruptions in fusion plasmas.
Zola is an undergraduate student at Auburn University, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. She is currently a research assistant in the IPL group, studying the plasma physics of material ablation in thermal protection systems. She wants to apply her research with IPL to improve the aerospace industry and create advanced heat shield technology.
Gabi is an undergraduate student at Auburn University working towards a degree in Physics. She is a research assistant in the IPL group studying material ablation with testing done in the D-IIID tokamak, specifically focused on the conditions associated with sublimation, sputtering, spallation in carbonaceous materials. She hopes to apply her research in the aerospace industry to heat shielding for high turbulence conditions associated with hypersonic flight and space travel.
Eliska Hovorkova is currently a high school senior doing the International Baccalaureate program who plans to study Mathematics and Physics at Bachelor’s and Master’s level and work towards a PhD in plasma physics and fusion science. She adores physics and mathematics, and learned about plasma physics and fusion science while doing some extra reading for her classes. This eventually led to her attending the 12th ITER International School held in France where she met Jessica, who introduced her to the Interdisciplinary Plasma Research Group at Auburn.
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