Post-doctoral Research Associate

Ramkumar Bala

MS*** Rice University

**** **** ******, *******, ** 77005

E-mail: ********@****.*** Phone: 713-***-****

Education

* Ph.D. Space Physics, April 2010, Rice University, Houston, Texas.

* M.S. Physics, December 2002, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas.

* M.Sc. Physics, June 1998, Loyola College, The University of Madras, Chennai, India.

Relevant Skills

* Machine learning: neural networks, svm; excellent analytic skills.

* Experienced in Python, Python Numpy, Scipy and machine learning libraries.

* C/C++, UNIX, Perl and Gnuplot; Knowledge in R and Pascal programming.

* Extensive experience with time series modeling and prediction techniques through machine learning.

* Proficient in statistical techniques, scientific programming skills specifically related to scripting numerical routines.

* Hands on experience in MATLAB for analyzing data, and solving differential equations; knowledge in Mathematica.

Key Competencies

* Applied research and modeling - analyzing large volumes of data to devise algorithms for forecast applications. Worked with agencies and institutes to transition findings to operations.

* Machine Learning: Utilize artificial neural networks to devise time prediction algorithms and to clustering and classification problems using various minimization techniques, nonlinear perceptron. Have worked extensively on time series analysis.

* Presentation and speaking: Excellent public speaking skills.

Work Experience

* Research Associate, May 2010 - present, Rice University, Houston, Texas.

* Conduct space weather modeling - analyzing large volumes of data using implementing machine learning.

* Have developed time prediction models for realtime applications.

* Worked with agencies and institutes to transition findings to operations.

* Graduate Research Assistant (May 2004 - April 2010), Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas.

* Have carried out research in magnetospheric research to develop successful tools and techniques for short-term and long-term space weather forecasts.

* Implemented new algorithms and improved Rice Space Institute’s forecast webpage and “spacalrt” email system dedicated for space weather alerts. Now goes out to over 1,300+ subscribers around the world.

* Teaching, August 2003 - December 2007, Physics & Astro., Rice University, Houston, Texas.

* Teaching, The University of Texas at Dallas (January 2001 - August 2003)

* Physics Laboratory: Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism (Summer 2001 through Summer 2003)

Awards and Honors

* American Geophysical Union, Journal Highlights, Technical paper, AGU Space Weather, June 2012. Selected by editors exclusively for its -- significant import to geosciences, a merit awarded to approx. 5% of articles.

* Outstanding Student Paper Award, AGU Fall Meeting 2009, San Francisco, CA.

* William March Rice University Fellowship, 2003-2004. Awarded to the top 10% of applicants..

* Academic Excellence Scholarship, May 2002, Dept. of Physics, UT, Dallas, TX.

* Gold Medal, Outstanding Student, 1995-1996 academic year, B. Sc. Physics, Loyola College, Chennai, India. Awarded to the class topper out of approximately 70 undergraduate students.

Professional and Extracurricular Activities

* Technical Reviewer/Judge: AGU Space Weather, JGR Space Physics, Journal of Atmospheric and Solar Terrestrial Physics.

* Judge, Outstanding Student Paper Awards, AGU Fall Meeting 2011 and 2012, CA.

* American Astronomical Society (October 2005 to December 2007).

* American Geophysical Union (August 2006 to present).

* Co-organizer, International Leadership Competency Forum, Rice University, January 2007 - September 2007: Have organized and worked as a team to bring in “leaders” from different communities to address the forum.

* Cultural Secretary, Physics Department, Loyola College, Chennai, India, June 1997 to May ‘98.

* Have led classmates and juniors in organizing various department and interdepartmental activities towards science club and cultural programs.

Selected Technical Presentations and Public Outreach Talks

* “Space Weather What we know”, North Houston Astronomy Club, Houston, TX, Nov ‘13.

* “Sun-earth connection and societal impacts”, Fort Bend Astro. Club, Houston, TX, May ‘13.

* “Storms from the Sun”, Johnson Space Center Astronomy Club, Houston, TX, September ‘12.

* Astronomy Winter School, Periyar Science and Technology Center, Chennai, India, Dec ‘10.

* “Space Weather”, Science Club, Periyar Matriculation School, Chennai, India, June 2009.

* “Space Weather - Why do we care?’’ Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Center, Birla Planetarium, Chennai, India, June 2009.

* “Space Weather at Rice Space Institute”, 2nd Annual Space Weather Operations Workshop, Park City, UT, March 2012.

* “Forecasting Geomagnetic Activity Indices”, Department seminar, Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, with P. H. Reiff, March 2009.

* “Real-time prediction of magnetospheric activity using the Boyle index”, Speaker, Department seminar, Rice University, Houston, Texas, with P. H. Reiff and J. Landivar, October 2007.

* Student Tutorials, “Polar Cap Potentials, Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Workshops”, Midway, UT, June 2007.

* “Measuring Accretion in Young Stellar Objects, Speaker, Department seminar”, Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, March 2005.

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