Lara Waldrop

Lara Waldrop is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on atmospheric remote sensing, space plasma diagnostics, and computational modeling of radiative processes to improve understanding of Earth's upper atmosphere and its impact on satellite operations and space weather hazards.

• Ph.D. in Astronomy and Space Physics from Boston University (2004)
• Develops novel sensing techniques using mass spectrometers and nano-satellites
• Employs ground- and space-based remote sensing methods including radar and spectroscopy

Research Interests: Optical remote sensing of atmospheric state parameters, space plasma diagnostics, computational modeling of radiative processes, and small satellite mission concept definition.

Scientific Recognition: Recipient of prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award (2015), Y.T. Lo Fellowship (2017), and Boston University Trustee's Scholar (1993-1997).

Teaching Excellence: Recognized six times by UIUC as an Excellent Teacher (2011-2021) and received the Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (2013).