The University of Colorado Boulder established the Charles A. Barth scholarship for undergraduate space research in 2013 to honor his lasting legacy of teaching and mentoring of the next generation of space researchers. Several undergraduate students with focused studies in space research are supported by this scholarship each year.
Dr. Charles A. Barth served as the director of the university’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics from 1965 to 1992, and under his guidance, LASP sent science instruments to every planet in the solar system. In addition to having a long and productive research career, Barth left a lasting legacy through his teaching and mentoring, through which he generously shared his knowledge and passion for exploration with hundreds of CU students. Barth was committed to hands-on education and training that included students in every step of a research project or NASA mission development, a novel approach that continues at LASP to this day.
2024 Awardees
This year’s awardees for the Charles A. Barth scholarship include six outstanding CU Boulder undergraduate students:
Thomas Flint, Class of 2026, major in astrophysical and planetary sciences with a minor in applied math, is working with LASP research associate Mike Chaffin. They are investigating the formation of patchy proton aurora on Mars by comparing particle precipitation simulations with data from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) and the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) spacecraft. “It’s been my dream to study the cosmos for as long as I can remember, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do just that at LASP. My world-class colleagues continue to inspire me every day, and I could not have asked for a better mentor to support me,” said Flint.
Grace Shore, Class of 2025, major in astrophysics with a minor in atmospheric and oceanic sciences, is working with LASP research associate Margaret Landis. They are investigating the composition changes in the ice sheet at the north pole of Mars using data from the High- Resolution Imaging Experiment (HiRISE) camera, which was developed by the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory for NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and is the highest-resolution orbital camera at Mars. “Working at LASP has been the most rewarding part of my undergraduate career,” said Shore. “The support my mentors have shown me has made me a more capable student and researcher and has allowed me to find and explore my passion for studying our solar system!”
Gwyneth Lowry, Class of 2025, major in aerospace engineering sciences with a minor in computer science, is working with LASP research associate and CU Physics associate professor Sascha Kempf on understanding the quantitative capabilities of spacecraft impact ionization mass spectrometers such as LASP’s SUrface Dust Analyzer (SUDA), which will be onboard NASA’s Europa Clipper mission. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in space research as an undergraduate,” said Lowry. “With the help of a wonderful mentor and a welcoming team at LASP, I have grown immensely as a researcher and professional.”
Delaney Lee-Bellows, Class of 2025, double major in astrophysics and mathematics, is working with LASP research associate David Malaspina, who is also an assistant professor in CU’s Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences (APS) Department. They are using data from NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission to investigate the spacecraft surface potential and its possible effects on instrument measurements. “Working at LASP has been the best opportunity I’ve received in undergrad; I’ve learned how to conduct research and be a professional while being supported by the best group and mentor,” said Lee-Bellows.
Sydney Ciechanowicz, Class of 2025, triple major in astrophysics, geology, and molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, with minors in biochemistry and chemistry, is working with LASP research associate and CU Boulder Geology Professor Brian Hynek. They are studying the effects of temperature and pH in a Martian analog hydrothermal system in Costa Rica to better understand the astrobiological potential in these extreme conditions. “Working with Dr. Hynek has been an invaluable interdisciplinary experience that has challenged me to be a better researcher and student,” said Ciechanowicz. “I am so thankful for the time spent at LASP and the opportunities it has provided!”
Shelby Opp, Class of 2025, double major in astrophysics and geophysics, is working with LASP research associate and APS Professor David Brain. They are searching for magnetized craters on Mars’ surface using data from NASA’s MAVEN mission to characterize the relationship between magnetic crustal field strength and Mars topography. “I am incredibly thankful for the relationships that I’ve built here at LASP, and how they’ve helped shape me from student into researcher. I am excited for what the future has to hold and am glad to have my team by my side,” said Opp.
Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder is on a mission to revolutionize human understanding of the cosmos by pioneering new technologies and approaches to space science. The institute is at the forefront of solar, planetary, and space physics research, climate and space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds. LASP is also deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP continues to build on its remarkable history with a nearly $1 billion portfolio of new research and engineering programs, backed by superb data analysis, reliable mission operations, and skilled administrative support.
