Laura Balmaceda

Laura Balmaceda is a Research Assistant Professor in the Physics & Astronomy Department, focusing on solar and heliospheric phenomena. Her work primarily involves analyzing coronal mass ejections (CMEs), solar energetic particles (SEPs), and interplanetary shock dynamics using multi-spacecraft observations from missions like Solar Orbiter, Parker Solar Probe, and STEREO. She contributes to instrumentation development, including calibration and data analysis for coronagraphs like CCOR and WISPR.

Her research bridges observational data with theoretical models to understand particle acceleration mechanisms, CME propagation, and the evolution of magnetic structures in the corona and heliosphere. Key topics include magnetic flux rope stability, SEP longitudinal distribution, and the role of ICME-driven shocks in energetic particle events. She collaborates extensively with international teams to leverage multi-point observations for comprehensive solar system studies.

Dr. Balmaceda has co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles since 2017, with a focus on solar wind structures, CME kinematics, and space weather forecasting. Her work emphasizes improving CME reconstruction techniques and quantifying uncertainties in heliospheric models. She actively participates in instrument calibration and mission planning for cutting-edge coronagraphs, ensuring robust data interpretation for future solar missions.

Her contributions span from low-corona CME dynamics to interplanetary particle transport, with applications to both fundamental science and practical space weather predictions.