Erika Roesler, Space Grant Intern from 2002-2003, studied cometary photometry with Dr. David Schleicher of Lowell Observatory.  The internship gave Erika valuable experiences with observational astronomy, data analysis, and presenting research.  Following the internship and graduating from NAU, Erika continued her education and received a doctorate in Atmospheric Science from the University of Michigan. 

Erika is currently a Postdoctoral Appointee in the Geosciences and Atmospheric Sciences Department at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. Her research is in the field of atmospheric modeling. Her current research tools include large eddy simulations to test microphysics and turbulence parameterizations; uncertainty quantification software for parameter sensitivity explorations; generalized PDE solver libraries to explore first principles in cloud modeling; and atmospheric general circulation models used at high (1/8-degree) resolution, lower (1 and 2 degree) resolutions, and variable resolution to explore dependencies of methane, black carbon, and Arctic storm properties to grid spacing.

Erika is grateful for the lessons learned from the NASA Space Grant which laid positive foundations for developing good practices in research and science.