RESEARCH

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Through my research, I try to understand the physical principles underlying geologic evolution of rocky planets across the solar system. I am also interested in the exploration of geophysical tools and techniques, primarily radar and radiometry, to study the surfaces and interiors of other planets.

Volcanic Processes and Products

I investigate how differences in atmospheric and gravity conditions between various rocky planets impact volcanic processes and morphology. Towards this end, I use numerical modeling to simulate the dynamics of lava flows and pyroclastic density currents under ambient conditions different from Earth's [1]. I am also interested in understanding the controls on effusive-explosive transition in basaltic magma, and the conditions required for explosive eruption of basaltic magma on other planets.

Surface Modification Processes

Studying flows of volcanic origin led me to being interested in other types of mass flows, particularly granular flows. I have recently started studying how high atmospheric temperature, pressure, and density conditions (found on Venus) would impact granular flow transport and deposit properties.

My research has also addressed other topics related to planetary surfaces, mainly the investigation of surface modification processes in the crustal plateaus of Venus using radar data.

Radar and Radiometry

I use a variety of radar datasets, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) backscatter data, orbital and ground-based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) observations, and passive microwave (radiometry) data, to study geologic history, shallow-subsurface stratigraphy, and surface material properties on Earth as well as other planets [2], [3]. I am also interested in the development of electromagnetic (EM) scattering models to describe interaction between EM waves and planetary surfaces [3].

Spacecraft Missions and Instruments

I am an avid advocate for geophysical techniques. I am currently a Science Team member of the SAR instrument, VenSAR, selected to fly onboard the European Space Agency's EnVision mission to Venus. I am a collaborator on the VERITAS mission (selected for flight to Venus) and the SHAllow RADar instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. I served on the Measurement Definition Team for the International - Mars Ice Mapper Mission, culminating in a final report released in 2023 [5]. I work with scientists and engineers from NASA Glenn and UAF on the development of a landed seismometer that can operate under Venus conditions [6].

FUNDING

RESOURCES

This is a hodge-podge of funding resources for graduate students based at US institutions. All listed opportunities are relevant to planetary sciences; some of these funding sources (such as the Smithsonian) have other field-specific opportunities as well. This is by no means an exhaustive list; I will update as and when I become aware of more opportunities.


POSTDOCTORAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

NASA Postdoctoral Program

Smithsonian Institute - Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship

51 Pegasi b Fellowship

Caltech GPS Postdoctoral Fellowships

JHU Blaustein Postdoctoral Fellowship (there is no standard website; please check the JHU EPS department website during Fall)

UT Geosciences Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (there is no standard website; keep an eye out on the UT Geosciences department website)

CONTACT

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indujaa

indujaa at gatech dot edu
School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Georgia Institute of Technology
311 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30332