Jonathan J Makela

Jonathan J Makela is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at the Grainger College of Engineering and holds the Abel Bliss Professorship in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also affiliated with the Coordinated Science Lab. His research focuses on ionospheric physics, thermospheric dynamics, and remote sensing of Earth's upper atmosphere. Key projects include leadership roles in the NASA Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission and the MANGO optical network, which study atmospheric waves, neutral winds, and space weather effects. He has received prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2007) and IEEE Senior Member designation (2011).

Research interests span ionospheric coupling mechanisms, gravity wave dynamics, and instrument development for global atmospheric monitoring. Recent work emphasizes conjugate observations of neutral wind dynamos and thermospheric structures using ICON and ground-based networks. Collaborations include international studies of mid-latitude thermosphere-ionosphere interactions and solar storm impacts on geospace. His contributions to engineering education include curriculum innovation through the Grainger College's undergraduate programs.

• Key Projects: ICON mission, MANGO network, DASI optical instruments
• Key Collaborations: NASA, international atmospheric research groups
• Key Facilities: Coordinated Science Lab, Urbana Atmospheric Observatory

Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2007), IEEE Senior Member (2011), numerous grants for space weather research. Advising focuses on graduate students in atmospheric and space sciences, though specific advisee names are not listed here.