CURRICULUM VITAE
Victoriya V. Forsythe
Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA
+1-385-315-5563
Email: victoriyaforsythe@gmail.com
EDUCATION
2013 – 2017 PhD in Space Physics (defended, graduating Spring 2017)
University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
2011 – 2013 Bachelor of Science in Physics,
Utah Valley University, US
2004– 2009 Specialist Degree in Business Management,
Russian State University of Trade and Economics, Russia
RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT
2017 – present Post Doctoral Fellow
Geophysical Institute, US
2013 – 2017 Research Assistant
Geophysical Institute, US
2014 – 2015 Teaching Assistant
University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
2012 – 2013 Undergraduate Research Assistant
Utah Valley University, US
2011 – 2012 Physics Grader
Utah Valley University, US
POST DOCTORAL RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Project 1 published in a refereed journal article “Statistical analysis of the electron density gradients in the polar cap F region using the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar” by Forsythe and Makarevich [2018] (see publications below), 1 presentation given.
· Developed a novel analysis technique for estimation of 3-D electron density gradients in the polar ionosphere using Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR) system
· Performed a statistical analysis of vertical and horizontal electron density gradients investigating their dependence on geomagnetic conditions
Ongoing Project 2 involves a creation of an assimilation algorithm that converts the satellite radio occultation data into 3-D electron density maps:
• A routine that performs the data quality analysis for SPIRE satellite data, including the elimination of data gaps due to cycle slips and the determination of the deferential code biases for the correction of TEC measurements has been developed
• Spatial and temporal coverage of the ionosphere by the occultation rays have been investigated
• Matrix inversion algorithm that calculates assimilated density for each occultation ray has been developed
• An algorithm that combines all assimilated density profiles for the selected time period and performs 3-D interpolation of density measurements has been developed
GRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
PhD in Space Physics, 2013 – March 9th, 2017
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Advisory Committee Members: Dr. William Bristow, Dr. John Sahr, Dr. Mark Conde, Dr. Hui Zhang
Thesis title: High Frequency Backscatter from the Polar and Auroral E-region Ionosphere
Project 1 published in a refereed journal article “Dual radar investigation of E region plasma waves in the southern polar cap” by Forsythe and Makarevich [2015] (see Publications below), 4 presentations given.
Conducted a first study using two HF radars probing the ionospheric E-region from opposite directions
Discovered an unusual feature in the velocity range profiles measured by two radars being reflection of each other
Found that the width and position of the E-region irregularity band affect the agreement between the velocities measured with two radars
Proposed the hypothesis that the tilt in the ionosphere may be responsible for the observed reflection feature
Conducted ray-tracing simulations that supported the above hypothesis
Project 2 published in a refereed journal article “Asymmetry of the Farley-Buneman dispersion relation caused by parallel electric fields” by Forsythe and Makarevich [2016] (see publications below)
Investigated the E-region general plasma dispersion relation analytically and numerically
Discovered that the background parallel electric field causes the asymmetry with respect to reversal in the aspect angle, namely that the growth rate and the phase velocity are significantly greater at positive aspect angles
Developed analytical expressions that quantified the asymmetry in the dispersion relation and demonstrated that they agree with numerical solutions
Project 3 published in a refereed journal article “Global view of the E-region irregularity and convection velocities in the high-latitude southern hemisphere” by Forsythe and Makarevich [2017] (see publications below), refereed paper co-authored and two conference presentations given.
Discovered that the distribution of the E-region velocity occurrence is asymmetric due to the clustering of echoes around the ion-acoustic speed [Forsythe and Makarevich, 2017]
Found that the asymmetry of the occurrence of high-velocity E-region echoes is highly correlated with the polarity and average bias of the background plasma convection [Forsythe and Makarevich, 2017]
Proved that the bias in the distribution of the plasma convection component is due to the asymmetry of the convection pattern [Forsythe and Makarevich, 2017]
Proposed that statistical occurrence of echoes generated by the Farley-Buneman instability (FBI) is highly sensitive to small changes in the convection pattern which is consistent with the electric field threshold for the FBI onset being sharper and lower than previously thought
Research experience at the Incoherent Scatter Radar School, Arecibo, PR, July 2014
Led development of an experimental proposal to conduct a 2-hour experiment using the largest-in-the-world radar, Arecibo ISR facility
Found that plasma frequency data had a signature of downward propagating gravity waves, whereas the other parameters have not shown any wave activity
Identified a gravity wave signature that was observed at the first hour of the experiment and a very strong correlation between the plasma waves and the fluctuation of the horizontal component of the magnetic field that was observed in the second part of the experiment
Proposed that gravity waves could cause the equatorial plasma bubbles that may result in the field-aligned electron density fluctuations
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Software Development Project, 2012-2013
Utah Valley University, US, Advisor: Dr. Timothy Doyle
Developed software and interface using Python for the ultrasound equipment that uses wave function analysis to detect micro-cancer in a tissue sample
Computational Modeling Project, 2011-2012
Utah Valley University, US, Advisor: Dr. Alexander Panin
Developed a computational model of the primordial black hole that passes through a star [Forsythe and Panin, 2012]
Instrument Development Project, 2013
Utah Valley University, US, Advisor: Dr. Kim Nielsen
Participated in the field trip to the Capitol Reef research facility to build a remote station for all-sky cameras, set up the equipment, installed the software, and took air glow data
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant, 2014 – 2015
University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Prepared and delivered 20-min overview of lab experiments and guided a group of up to 25 students through the 2-h lab for general physics (PHYS 211, PHYS 212)
Set up the equipment before each lab
Graded lab reports and exams
Conducted tutorial classes in the physics help room
Led revision of lab manuals for several experiments
Lecturer, 2015-2016
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Independently developed and delivered a 4-week lecture course on Plasma, Space Physics and Aurora for nontraditional students
Delivered revised version of the Plasma, Space Physics and Aurora course due to high success
University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Independently developed and delivered a 1-h lecture on Conformal Mapping for the graduate-level Mathematical Physics class
Geophysical Institute and YASUI/AIE TOURS, US
Developed and delivered lectures on Space Physics and Aurora for international tourists in Fairbanks area
Geophysical Institute and HAARP, Gakona, Alaska, US
Developed and delivered 4 lectures on Space Weather for visitors of High Frequency Active Aurora Research Program (HAARP) open house
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
Student Representative on the CEDAR Steering Committee, 2015-2017
Convener of the GEM-CEDAR 2016 student workshop, Santa Fe, New Mexico, US, June 2016
Was elected to be the student member on the main advising body of the CEDAR community to serve alongside 16 professional community leaders
Developed student workshop program and activities for a group of 200 students
Selected and invited professional scientists and researchers to give talks and to participate in the career and Q&A panels
Chaired student workshop sessions (introduction of presenters, time management, Q&A)
Coordinated workshop activities with outgoing CEDAR student representative and two GEM student representatives
Assistant organizer for an international conference, May 2016
SuperDARN Workshop 2016, Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Assisted with organization of the conference including conference registration, conference excursion logistics, and conference dinner awards ceremony
Vice President of Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA), 2014-2016
University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Organized graduate student social events and trips
Assisted incoming students with adaptation to graduate school and life in Alaska
OUTREACH ACTIVITY
Science Writer, 2014-present
www.sheisaphysicist.com
Initiated a project that actively encourages female students to pursue a career in physics
Created a web space where successful career stories of female physicists are published
Interviewed, photographed, edited and published stories of successful female scientists
Designed and maintained the website
Lecturer, 2015-2016
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Volunteered to teach a course on Plasma, Space Physics and Aurora
Received an unsolicited letter of commendation from the president of OLLI who also asked to repeat the course due to positive feedback. 13 out of 13 students that submitted the feedback requested this course to be continued.
Space Physics Panelist, Apr 2016, Explore Alaska Seminar, Alaska, US
Delivered a presentation on Aurora to instruct a group of Explore Alaska tour guides
Space Physics Presenter at HAARP Open House, Aug 2016, HAARP, Gakona, Alaska, US
Delivered 4 lectures on Space Weather to help to remove misconceptions and mysteries surrounding HAARP
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Enthusiastic and engaging public speaker
Presented results of my research on numerous occasions both in professional settings (conferences, workshops, department seminars) and informally (group meetings). OLLI Space Physics presentations were in particular very well received based on the unsolicited feedback letter from OLLI president, who also asked me to repeat a Space Physics course and asked if my lectures could be recorded for the online access and advertisement.
Effective communicator
Used animations and visualization tools to communicate science to the general public during outreach presentations as well as to present research results to the science community. Received positive feedback on clarity and accessibility of presentations and lectures.
Creative thinker
Able to generate new ideas in research, effective communication, and science popularization. Conceived and successfully implemented an idea to create a website that actively encourages female students to pursue a career in physics.
Organizational skills and experience
Organized and coordinated student workshop for the CEDAR 2016 conference as a student representative on the CEDAR steering committee. Assisted with organization of the international SuperDARN Workshop 2016. Served onboard of PGSA to organize social events for physics graduate students.
Proficient in IDL programming and other languages
IDL was the primary programming language used through my PhD research projects. The primary activities included processing of large datasets from radars and satellites, computational modeling and numerical solutions of plasma dispersion relations, producing figures for publications. Python and FORTRAN were the primary programming languages used through my undergraduate research projects. I have also completed a C++ programming course during my undergraduate studies. For my undergraduate research I have used Linux OS and well familiar with the command window control. All publications and PhD thesis were produced using LaTeX word processing.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Coursework in the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2013-2015
Successfully completed all Space Physics PhD program core subjects: Mathematical Physics, Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetic Theory, and Fundamentals of Plasma Physics
Successfully completed additional Space Physics classes: Aeronomy, Magnetospheric Physics, and Advanced Plasma Physics
Passed the comprehensive exam from the first attempt
Incoherent Scatter Radar School, July 2014, Arecibo, Puerto Rico, US
Learned the theory of incoherent scatter
Proposed and conducted a 2-h experiment with Arecibo ISR radar
Worked in a team of 5 students
Presented the results of the experiment to the audience of peers and professionals
Physics Teaching Seminar, 2014-2015, University of Alaska Fairbanks, US
Acquired the basic principles of physics education research
Learned an active-learning classroom approach to teaching physics
Studied the problem solving techniques and strategies for students
Bear Safety Certified, 2016, Firearms Instruction Services, Fairbanks, US
In preparation for conference excursions, learned how to stay bear safe in Alaskan remote research areas
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
CEDAR Science Steering Committee (2015-present)
Member of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) (2016–present)
GRANTS
AGU Student Travel Grant 2016
Geophysical Institute Graduate Student Association Travel Grant 2016
PUBLICATIONS
Forsythe, V. V., and R. A. Makarevich (2018), Statistical Analysis of the Electron Density Gradients in the Polar Cap F Region Using the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radar North , J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 123, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017JA025156.
Forsythe, V. V., and R. A. Makarevich (2017), Global view of the E-region irregularity and convection velocities in the high-latitude southern hemisphere, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 122, doi:10.1002/2016JA023711.
Forsythe, V. V., and R. A. Makarevich (2016a), Asymmetry in the Farley-Buneman dispersion relation caused by parallel electric fields, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, dio: 10.1002/2016JA023390.
Forsythe, V. V., and R. A. Makarevich (2015), Dual radar investigation of E region plasma waves in the southern polar cap, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 120, doi: 10.1002/2015JA021664.
Makarevich, R. A., V. V. Forsythe, and A. C. Kellerman (2015), Electric field control of E region coherent echoes: Evidence from radar observations at the South Pole. J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 120, 2148–2165. doi: 10.1002/2014JA020844.
Forsythe (Turova), V. V., and A. Panin (2012), Modeling Motion of a Small Black Hole Through a Star or a Planet, Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2012APS..4CF.E1003T
PRESENTATIONS (* denotes presenter)
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2018), Estimation and Statistical Analysis of the 3-D Electron Density Gradients in the Polar Cap F Region Using the AMISR, COSPAR 2018, July 19, Pasadena, CA, USA
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2017e), Asymmetry in the Farley-Buneman dispersion relation caused by parallel electric fields, URSI 2017, August 21, Montreal, Canada.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2017d), Farley-Buneman dispersion relation asymmetry caused by parallel electric field and parallel density gradient, SuperDARN 2017, June 6, San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2017c), Velocity distribution analysis of the E region irregularities and zonal component of convection in the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere, SuperDARN 2017, June 5, San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy.
Forsythe, V. V.*, (2017b), High Frequency Backscatter from the Polar and Auroral E-Region Ionosphere, PhD defense at University of Alaska Fairbanks, March 09, 2017, Fairbanks, AK, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, (2017a), Space Physics and Radar Studies of the Ionosphere, Research seminar for on-campus interview at Utah Valley University, February 24, 2017, Orem, UT, US.
Forsythe, V. V.* (2016d), Space Weather, four talks given at HAARP Open House, August 27 2016, Gakona, AK, USA
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2016c), Global view of the E-region irregularity and convection velocities in the high-latitude southern hemisphere, Poster presented at the AGU 2016 Workshop, December 12 – 16, 2016, San Francisco, CA, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R.A. (2016b), Analysis of the decameter E-region irregularities and the plasma convection in the southern hemisphere, Poster presented at the Joint GEM-CEDAR 2016 Workshop, June 19 – 24, 2016, Santa Fe, NM, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and R. A. Makarevich (2016a), Dual radar investigation of E-region plasma waves in the southern polar cap, Oral presentation given at the SuperDARN 2016, May 29 – June 3, 2016, Fairbanks, AK, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and R. A. Makarevich (2016), Analysis of the decameter E-region irregularities and the plasma convection in the southern hemisphere, Oral presentation given at the SuperDARN 2016, May 29 – June 3, 2016, Fairbanks, AK, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and R. A. Makarevich (2015), Dual radar investigation of E-region plasma waves in the southern polar cap, Poster presented at the CEDAR 2015, June 21 – 25, 2015, Seattle, WA, US.
Forsythe, V. V.*, and Makarevich, R. A. (2014), Observations of the high-velocity echoes from the polar E region with new Antarctic SuperDARN radars, Poster presented at the CEDAR 2014 Workshop, Seattle, June 2014.
Forsythe, V. V., and Makarevich, R. A.*, Bistatic HF radar investigation of plasma waves in the polar E-region, Poster presented at the SuperDARN 2014 Workshop, Svalbard, May 2014.
Forsythe (Turova), V. V.*, and Panin, A., Modeling Motion of a Small Black Hole Through a Star or a Planet, Oral presentation given at the APS Four Corners Section, Socorro, New Mexico, October 26 – 27, 2012.
REFEREES
Dr. Dave Norton
President of OLLI, University of Alaska Fairbanks - OLLI, 1000 University Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99775
Tel: +1-907-474-6607
dwnorton@alaska.edu
Dr. Timothy Doyle
Undergraduate adviser, Utah Valley University, 800 West University Parkway, Orem, UT, 84058, Office: PS 225
Tel: +1-801-863-5410
timothy.doyle@uvu.edu
Dr. John Sahr
PhD committee member, University of Washington, 214 S, 433 S, Seattle, WA 98195
Tel: +1-206-685-1793
jdsahr@ee.washington.edu