Since 2013, the University of Colorado Boulder has awarded scholarships in the name of former Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) director, Charles A. Barth, to outstanding CU Boulder undergraduate students conducting space research. This year, seven students will receive this prestigious award to further their studies.
The Charles A. Barth scholarship was established to honor Barth’s commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of space researchers. Barth served as the director of LASP 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 generously shared his knowledge and passion for space 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, a novel approach that continues at LASP to this day.
The 2026 awardees include:
Sage Branham (Physics ’26) is working with Ed Thiemann, LASP research scientist, to analyze the climatology of atomic oxygen in the Martian upper atmosphere using solar occultation observations from the Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor (EUVM) aboard NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft. Atomic oxygen is the dominant species above roughly 220 km in Mars’ atmosphere and plays a key role in atmospheric circulation and radiative cooling. Branham will validate newly developed atomic oxygen density profiles against complementary MAVEN measurements, then examine how densities vary under different conditions. “I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to work at LASP this summer and gain such valuable experience in conducting scientific research,” said Branham. “I am thrilled to continue working here on this project.”
Keirra Kernan (Astrophysics/minors in Space and Leadership ’28) is working with LASP researcher and Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences associate professor David Malaspina. Using data from NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Venus Gravity Assists (VGAs), they aim to determine the origins of whistler-mode waves at Venus and whether they originate from lightning generation on the planet. A publication detailing the results was accepted to the Journal of Geophysical Research in August 2026. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the support of Dr. Malaspina and everyone on my research team over the last year,” said Kernan. “I am so excited to continue learning from my team members and mentor, as well as to continue building my experience with future research and opportunities.”
Felix Conant (Astrophysics & Computer Science/ minor in Mathematics ‘27) is working with LASP Research Scientist and CU Boulder Physics Lecturer Jan Deca to investigate how different plasma environments might affect spacecraft measurements of dust impacts. Using the Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS), they simulate dust impacts under a range of plasma conditions to determine how the surrounding environment influences the resulting signals detected by spacecraft. “Joining LASP has allowed me to learn and experience so much,” said Conant. “I am so grateful to my mentor and coworkers for their support, and for the opportunity to grow that LASP has given me.”
Lucia Cogswell (Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences ’27) is working with LASP research associate and CU Boulder professor David Brain and PhD student Judit Bergfalk. Their research uses MAVEN orbital magnetometer data to model the crustal fields in Mars’ southern highlands to better understand how they could look at Mars’ surface and the crustal magnetic sources that could produce them. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn in the supportive, welcoming, and positive environment LASP provides,” said Cogswell. “Researching can be challenging but learning to lean into, and even welcome, the uncertainty it contains is an invaluable lesson my mentors and group have taught me. I appreciate their continual support and encouragement immensely.”
Michaela Martinez (Astrophysics and Geophysics ’26) is working with LASP research scientist and CU Boulder Physics lecturer Jan Deca to model the DUst and PlaSma EnvironmenT SurvEyoR (DUSTER) rover for a range of space plasma environments using the Space Plasma Interactions Software (SPIS). The simulations will contribute to a framework for understanding how human technologies interact with and modify the lunar plasma environment during future Artemis missions. “Working at LASP has taught me so much about how I learn and how to construct, improve, and test scientific experiments and hypotheses,” said Martinez. “Thank you to my advisors and peers for all of your guidance and support, which has helped me begin a career in research.”
Erin Sampson (Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences and History ’27) is working with LASP research associate and CU Boulder Professor Paul Hayne and Research Scientist Harish to investigate whether morphological and morphometric characteristics can be used to distinguish volcanic and tectonic lunar pits. Pits on the Moon serve as key indicators of its geological processes and have potential for a future lunar base. Understanding their formation takes humanity one step closer to that feat. “Working at LASP has allowed me to meet and collaborate with incredible researchers in the field of planetary science. I am so grateful to my mentors and team members for helping me navigate the world of research,” said Sampson.
Trestan Simon (Astrophysics/minor in Applied Math ’27) is working with LASP researcher and CU Boulder professor Steven Cranmer, using synthetic imagery of the upper solar corona and inner heliosphere to support interpretation of PUNCH/NFI coronagraph data and to investigate the kinematics of flows within the vicinity of the Alfvén surface. Additionally, they are using turbulence-driven coronal heating and solar wind acceleration models to predict solar wind speeds at Earth. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work at LASP. This experience has deepened my interest in solar physics and has laid the foundation for my continued growth in the field,” said Simon. “I am immensely grateful to my advisor, Steve, who has provided me with invaluable support and guidance.”
