Pamela Lara

Ph.D. Candidate Environmental Science and Engineering Atmospheric Physics

University of Texas at El Paso

SUMMARY

I am a PhD. Candidate for the Environmental Science and Engineering Program at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). My field of interest is Atmospheric Physics, especially the study of black and brown carbon concentration in El Paso airshed. Beside the PhD. I am pursuing a double certification: Geographic Information System (GIS) and Big Data Analysis. The rationale behind these certifications is to become a more proficient and well-rounded scientist. I consider myself an enthusiastic learner, conscious reader, analytical thinker, resourceful scientist, and a goal oriented investigator.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Completed and passed Proposal Defense
  • NCAS-M NERTO Internship with Atmospheric Composition and Climate
  • Processes (ACCP) group located in the Chemical Sciences Laboratory (CLS) of NOAA in Boulder, CO
  • PhD. Student for the Environmental and Engineering program at UTEP since August, 2019, GPA 3.7
  • GIST Certification Program at the University of El Paso (UTEP), Fall 2018 – present
  • Big Data Analysis Certification Program at UTEP, Spring 2019 – present
  • Master of Science in Physics from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), graduated August, 2018, 3.6 GPA
  • Bachelor in Physics from Utah Valley University (UVU), graduated December, 2014, GPA 3.5
  • 1.5 years of experience teaching Physics and Astronomy to High School students
  • 4 years of experience teaching Physics and Astronomy Labs at UVU and UTEP
  • Astronomy Researcher at Brigham Young University
  • Discovered seven uncatalogued variable stars/star-systems with pending publications
  • Through AAVSO (American Association of Variable Star Observers), as a first and second author
  • Linux-IRAF data processing and light-curve analysis
  • Transit Method for detecting Exoplanets in the Kepler Fields
  • Poster Presenter at several Physics meetings such as CUWiP and 4-Corners
  • Thesis research in the exciting field of Gravitational Waves: Differential Photometry of GW170817