Susan T. Lepri

Susan T. Lepri is a Professor in the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering, where she serves as Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory. Her work focuses on heliospheric physics, utilizing spacecraft data from missions like ACE, WIND, and Solar Orbiter to investigate solar wind origins and coronal mass ejections.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan
• M.S. in Atmospheric and Space Sciences, University of Michigan
• B.S. in Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Michigan

Lepri's research centers on tracing charged particles in the heliosphere using heavy ion measurements to study solar wind sources, coronal mass ejection physics, and particle acceleration mechanisms. She develops space-based ion mass spectrometers for missions including the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter (Heavy Ion Sensor) and the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe. Her work integrates statistical analysis of solar wind composition with magnetohydrodynamic model validation to unravel plasma behavior in space environments.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2015-2017) reveals consistent focus on solar wind composition dynamics, particularly charge state evolution and elemental fractionation. Key themes include magnetic reconnection signatures in slow solar wind formation, anomalous composition in depleted interplanetary coronal mass ejections, and solar wind charge exchange contributions to X-ray backgrounds. Her instrumentation work bridges observational gaps in inner heliospheric measurements.

Major recognitions include:

• 2018 Claudia Joan Alexander Trailblazer Award (University of Michigan)
• 2012-2013 Kenneth M. Reese Outstanding Research Scientist Award
• 2008 JGR-Space Physics Excellence in Refereeing Citation
• NASA Graduate Fellowship (2001-2003)

Lepri actively mentors through outreach programs including K-12 initiatives with the Michigan Space Grant Consortium and Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program. She has coordinated Rochester Adams High School STEAM fairs and elementary science outreach while developing educational content like MConnex videos. Her research is supported by NASA grants enabling instrument development for Solar Orbiter and IMAP missions, with collaborations spanning international space agencies and academic institutions.

As Director of the Space Physics Research Laboratory, she leads teams developing next-generation space instrumentation, particularly ion mass spectrometers for heliospheric exploration. Current projects include the Heavy Ion Sensor for Solar Orbiter (measuring inner heliospheric composition) and innovative sensors for IMAP, advancing capabilities to trace solar wind sources and particle acceleration mechanisms.