Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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Characterization of materials the comprise permafrost across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Project Description:

There is growing interest in understanding the impact of climate change on vegetation, topography, and permafrost dynamics in Arctic regions. Satellites flying over Alaska use electromagnetic spectrum signatures to identify and quantify areas of melting and landscape change. This project aims to quantify the electromagnetic properties of permafrost in the laboratory across a broad temperature range, including freeze-thaw cycles. Students will collaborate with faculty and graduate students to measure dielectric permittivity and optical index using various systems, including microwave, IR, and UV/Vis instruments at the Materials Characterization Lab, part of the Materials Research Institute. The experimental results will be applied to satellite and UAV imaging data to interpret remote sensing information and predict future changes in the surface and subsurface properties of permafrost. Students will have the opportunity to join a large multidisciplinary team of scientists with expertise in materials science, hyperspectral imaging, optics, and geoscience. Future DoD programs in this area aim to understand how seashores and inland areas are evolving in Alaska and other cold regions

Faculty Name and Email:

Michael Lanagan mxl46@psu.edu

Research Area(s):

Electrical properties of permafrost

Number of Available Positions:

1

Project Start Date:

Spring 2026

Remote or In-Person or Hybrid?

Hybrid

Estimated Time Commitment:

3

Potential for Summer Research Continuation:

Maybe

Potential for Research Credit (496/497) or Independent Study:

Maybe / to be discussed

Required Courses or Skills:

none

Preferred Student Background:

ANY