John Sample

John Sample serves as Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Montana's College of Letters & Science, where he conducts experimental research on near-Earth energetic particles. Affiliated with the Optical Technology Center (OpTec), his work bridges space physics and atmospheric electricity.

Education

• Ph.D. Physics, University of California, Berkeley (2013)

Research Interests: Dr. Sample investigates Earth's magnetosphere, radiation belts, and lightning-related energetic phenomena including terrestrial gamma-ray flashes. His experimental approach employs balloon and satellite instrumentation to study particle acceleration and loss processes.

Publication Trends: His scholarly output, highlighted by a 2015 Nature paper on radiation-belt electron loss, demonstrates expertise in magnetospheric physics and atmospheric high-energy phenomena, contributing to space weather prediction and fundamental plasma processes.

Research Support: Current projects include NASA-funded BOOMS (balloon observations of microburst electron precipitation) and a gamma-ray flash detector, plus the REAL Cubesat mission developed with Dartmouth College.

Professional Service: An active reviewer for NASA, NSF, and geophysics journals, Dr. Sample also engages in public outreach through guest lectures at universities and museums.