The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 is creating excitement among scientists, particularly those interested in studying the effects of the ionosphere on radio communications. Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, a space physicist at the University of Scranton, is leading the charge in this area of research. In a recent episode of Radios in Action, host Ray Novak and Dr. Frissell explored how amateur radio has influenced his journey from a Boy Scout to an associate professor and its role in shaping his career path.
The episode delved into the impact of early exposure to technical hobbies on career paths. Dr. Frissell’s story highlights how his childhood fascination with amateur radio led him to pursue a career in space science and education. The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) project was also discussed, which aims to bridge the gap between amateur radio enthusiasts and professional researchers.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Frissell shared insights into how he uses his skills as an amateur radio operator to inform his scientific research and how he incorporates STEM education into his teaching at the university level. He also discussed the significance of the upcoming total solar eclipse for space science and its potential impact on our understanding of radio communications and other aspects of space exploration.
Overall, the episode showcased how early exposure to technical hobbies can lead to successful careers in STEM fields and highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between amateur enthusiasts and professional researchers through projects like HamSCI.
Dr. Nathaniel Frissell’s achievements in space science have established him as a prominent figure in both the amateur radio and scientific communities, making him an ideal guest for Radios in Action host Ray Novak’s show.