Space physicist Benjamin Chandran named American Physical Society Fellow

Sunday, March 11, 2018
Professor Ben Chandran at chalkboard

UNH professor of physics Benjamin Chandran was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). Chandran, who is an active researcher in the Space Science Center of the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space (EOS), was honored for “fundamental contributions to the theory of turbulence, heating, particle acceleration and thermal conduction in space and astrophysical plasmas,” according to the APS.

A winner of UNH’s Excellence in Teaching award in 2017, Chandran was among 155 Fellows in the Society’s 2018 class. Among his research projects is an experiment on board the Parker Solar Probe, a seven-year mission to learn more about the sun and solar wind that launched in August.

The APS Fellowship Program recognizes members who may have made advances in physics through original research and publication or who have made significant innovative contributions in the application of physics to science and technology. Fellows may also have made significant contributions to the teaching of physics or service and participation in the activities of the society.

“Being named an APS Fellow represents a rare and significant honor,” says Harlan Spence, professor of physics and director EOS. “It delights me that Ben's peers have recognized his research excellence and his many scientific contributions toward our understanding of astrophysical plasmas."

Each year, no more than one half of one percent of the society’s membership (excluding student members) is recognized by their peers for election to the status of Fellow of the American Physical Society. Chandran is the ninth UNH faculty member to be elected an APS Fellow.

Photographer: 
Jeremy Gasowski | UNH Marketing | jeremy.gasowski@unh.edu | 603-862-4465