Research Computer
Resume:
Dr. Joseph M. Hahn, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Space Science Institute
Austin, TX 78750
phone: 512-***-****
email: *****@************.***
website: http://gemelli.spacescience.org/~hahnjm
science blog: http://solarsystemwatch.blogspot.com
Qualifications
Skilled scientist, computer programmer, author, and educator, with expertise in mathematical
analysis, data analysis, image analysis, statistical analysis, and computer based numerical
modeling. An expert in scientific computing (using C, Fortran, UNIX, Linux, IDL, and MAPLE
computer languages), with excellent mathematical skills, extensive research experience in
physics and astrophysics, technical writing, and an effective public speaker.
Goals
To work on scientific, technical, or mathematical projects that would benefit from my expertise
in computer programming, numerical modeling, remote sensing, satellite image analysis, data
analysis, statistical analysis, and extensive experience in physics based research.
Professional Experience
Research Scientist July 2006 present
Space Science Institute (headquartered in Boulder, CO), my current employer
principle investigator (PI) on NASA grant supported research in planetary dynamics
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currently writing a textbook on planetary dynamics
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Research Fellow February 2012 present
University of Texas Center for Space Research (CSR)
Associate Professor of Astronomy July 2003 July 2006
Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS, Canada
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Astrophysics
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member of the Institute for Computational Astrophysics
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PI on grant supported research in planetary dynamics
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taught physics and astrophysics to undergraduate and graduate students
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mentored research by several undergraduate students and one Master’s student
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organized an international scientific conference in astrophysics
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Research Postdoctoral Fellow 1996 2003
Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX
began research career studying the dynamics of planetary systems
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PI on NASA research grant
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organized an international scientific conference in astrophysics
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mentored several undergraduate interns in their research
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Education
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME, Notre Dame, IN.
Ph.D., physics, 1997
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, Austin, TX.
B.S., physics, 1990
B.A., astronomy, 1990
Recent Scientific Highlights
Devised a numerical N body model of Saturn's main A and B rings; this model accounts for
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the ring's internal forces: ring gravity, collisions among ring particles, and the gravities of
Saturn's many satellites. Details are reported in my 2012 ApJ paper that compares model
results to Cassini spacecraft observations of the rings, to assess the processes that drives the
ring's evolution and to determine the ring's physical properties, mass etc.
Currently I am using the LAMMPS molecular dynamics code, which I've adapted to
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perform DEM simulations of planetary rings, to study how collisions among ring particles
can confine a narrow ring and affect its shape. Results will then be used to interpret the
Cassini spacecraft observations of Saturn's many narrow ringlets.
I developed a numerical model of a circumstellar debris disk, which is a dust disk often
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found orbiting a young star. Debris disks are signatures of planet formation, and are likely
due to collisions among unseen comets and asteroids also orbiting the star. Results are
reported in my 2010 ApJ paper, where I fit my model to Hubble Space Telescope images of
the debris disk orbiting the star β Pictoris, and where I estimate the mass of the planet
forming comets and asteroids that produce the observed dust.
In my 2005 AJ paper, I coded and executed N body simulations of recently formed giant
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planets (Jupiter through Neptune) as they accrete and gravitationally scatter the many
planetesimals from which they formed. Interactions with this primordial planetesimal disk
also cause Neptune's orbits to migrate outwards into the Kuiper Belt, which is the reservoir
of comets in Pluto's vicinity. Comparison of simulations to telescopic surveys of the Kuiper
Belt reveals the extent of Neptune's orbit expansion, ~33% of its orbit, and the abundance of
large 100km sized Kuiper Belt Objects, ~105.
I have taught university physics and astrophysics to undergraduate and graduate students,
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have mentored one Master's graduate student and ten undergraduate interns in their
research, and am now writing a graduate level textbook titled The Dynamics of Planetary
Systems and Astrophysical Disks, to be published by Wiley. That book is 75% complete.
I have authored or co authored 27 peer reviewed scientific publications, all of which are
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available at http://gemelli.spacescience.org/~hahnjm/pubs.html.
Have organized two international scientific conferences on astrophysics, have chaired
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various panels that advise NASA on allocating funds for astronomy research, and served on
the board that advised NASA about continuing the Cassini spacecraft mission at Saturn.
Have given many scientific presentations at astrophysics conferences, invited lectures at
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various universities and popular science talks to lay audiences, and was recently interviewed
by the local tv news station about the 2013 meteor explosion over Russia.
References: available upon request
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