Research
Dr. Tu's research interests in space plasma physics are focused in the quantitative analysis and numerical modeling of energetic particles in space. She has developed and implemented various physics-based models to simulate the dynamics of relativistic particles in the Earth's radiation belts. Earth's radiation belts, also known as the Van Allen Radiation Belts, have important space weather applications since they present a hazardous radiative environment for spacecraft operating within. Dr. Tu's research emphasis has been on the physical quantification of the source, loss, and transport rates of radiation belt particles, which directly contributes to the principal goal of the $686 million NASA Van Allen Probes Mission that was launched in August 2012.
Work experience
Associate Professor, West Virginia University
2020 - present
Assistant Professor, West Virginia University
2015 - 2020
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Los Alamos National Laboratory
2012 - 2015
Postdoctoral Research Associate, LASP, University of Colorado at Boulder
2011 - 2012
Graduate Research Assistant, LASP, University of Colorado at Boulder
2006 - 2011
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Peking University, China
2004 - 2006
Research Interests
Energetic Particles in Space
(radiation belts, ring current, etc.)
Wave Particle Interactions
Particle Acceleration&Losses
Space Weather
Expertise
Numerical Simulations
(e.g., diffusion-type code, test particle simulation, MHD)
Theoretical Plasma Physics
Data Processing
Spectral Analysis
Education
University of Colorado at Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Sciences
Ph.D. in Aug 2011
University of Colorado at Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Sciences
M.S. in May 2008
Peking University, Geophysics
B.S. in July 2006
Awards
Outstanding Reviewers for Space Weather
Awarded by American Geophysical Union in 2023
Benedum Distinguished Scholar Award
Awarded by the West Virginia University in 2023
Eberly College Outstanding Researcher Award
Awarded by the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences at West Virginia University in 2023
Distinguished Lecturer in Plasma Physics
Selected by the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics in 2022
Katherine E. Weimer Award
Awarded by the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics in 2021
Cottrell Scholar Award
Awarded by the Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement in 2019
NSF CAREER Award
For my project entitled “Understanding and Modeling the Mysterious Dropout of Radiation Belt Electrons” in 2018
Young Scientist Award
Awarded by the Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale (URSI) general assembly in 2018
“Editor’s Choice” of AGU Space Weather Journal
Four first-authored papers by Dr. Tu have been selected as “Editor’s Choice” of Space Weather Journal in years of 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Outstanding Poster Award at the 2014 LANL Postdoc Research Day
Top 10 of 106 presentations in 2014
Outstanding Student Paper Award at the 2011 Fall AGU Meeting
Top 3% of 450 presentations in 2011
Excellent Graduate of Beijing, Committee of Education, Beijing
Top 2 of 100 in Geophysics Department, 2006
Service
Member of the AGU SPA Fellows Committee
2021-2023
Member of the APS DPP Program Committee
2022-2023
Topical Editor for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD)
2022-2023
Member At-Large on the NSF GEM Steering Committee
2015-2018
Co-Chair for the NSF GEM Focus Group
2014-2018, Focus group on “Quantitative Assessment of Radiation Belt Modeling”
Convener for Sessions at the AGU Meetings
2013 Spring AGU, 2014-2023 Fall AGU
External Reviewer and Panelist for NASA and NSF Review Panels
2010-present