Joshua Semeter

Joshua Semeter is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Boston University, with primary appointments at the Center for Space Physics and Photonics Center. He holds a PhD from Boston University (1997). His research focuses on ionospheric and space plasma physics, including auroral phenomena, radar systems, and space weather. Semeter has pioneered the use of smartphone GPS signals for ionospheric studies and contributed to missions like ANDESITE, leveraging cubesat constellations for auroral research.

He has been recognized with awards such as the NSF CAREER Award (2006) and the ECE Faculty Teaching Award (2009). His work spans collaborations with NASA and commercial partners like Planet Labs, emphasizing public-private partnerships. Semeter teaches courses such as EC707 Radar Remote Sensing and EC401 Signals and Systems. His recent studies include investigating STEVE phenomena, solar eclipse effects on ionospheric dynamics, and modeling Martian ionospheres with machine learning.

Key projects include analyzing auroral ionization patterns via inertial Alfven waves and developing frameworks for meso-scale IT system modeling. Semeter’s research bridges theoretical plasma physics with cutting-edge observational techniques, advancing understanding of Earth’s upper atmosphere and its interaction with space.