Scott M. Bailey

Scott M. Bailey is a Professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, affiliated with the College of Engineering. His research focuses on satellite mission design, space science, and atmospheric dynamics with particular emphasis on remote sensing of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere-atmosphere coupling.

• Education: Ph.D., University of Colorado (1995); M.S., University of Colorado (1994); B.S., Virginia Tech (1990).

His research interests include space weather, gravity wave dynamics, and mesospheric processes. He leads studies on polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs), thermospheric nitric oxide, and solar-terrestrial interactions. His work integrates satellite data from missions like AIM, SDO, and TIMED with advanced modeling.

Key research themes involve understanding atmospheric coupling mechanisms, planetary wave influences on mesospheric dynamics, and the impact of solar variability on upper atmospheric composition.

• Notable Awards:
  • Virginia Tech Faculty-Staff Aspire! Award (2023)
  • NASA Group Achievement Awards (2018, 2015, 2012)
  • Society of Technical Communicators Excellence Awards (2016, 2015)

Dr. Bailey has contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications, focusing on satellite mission design, remote sensing instrumentation, and atmospheric energetics. His work bridges observational science with engineering innovations, including CubeSat-based sensors for polar night nitric oxide detection.