The People of the PMag Lab
Katie E. Bristol, Postdoctoral Researcher
Katie is a geophysicist at the Purdue Planetary Magnetics Laboratory where she investigates magnetic records preserved in meteorites to understand the formation and evolution of Young Stellar Objects and protoplanetary disks. She also uses Precambrian rocks to study the early thermal evolution and differentiation of planets and their magnetic fields, exploring links to planetary habitability. Previously she has worked on interdisciplinary projects, such as combining paleomagnetic methods with volcanology, geochronology, and modeling to study the emplacement of Large Igneous Provinces and their impact on Earth's geological and climatic history.
Katie earned her BS in Applied Geophysics (minor in Geological Engineering) and MS in Geophysics from Michigan Technological University. She also holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Florida. In her free time she enjoys hiking, astrophotography, and crochet.
Katie’s Website Google Scholar
Sedinam Biassey-Bogart, Graduate Student
Sedi is investigating the existence of remnant magnetism in the crust of icy moons. She does this by simulating convection in the outer ice shells of these moons to study how iron minerals can be magnetized and aligned in the presence of a background magnetic field. Her interests include books, nature, and music.
Roshini Saravanan, Graduate Student
Roshini is a first-year PhD student at the Purdue Planetary Magnetics Lab, studying the behavior and evolution of the Earth's dynamo during the Ediacaran period to better understand its relationship to the proliferation of early, complex life. She earned her B.S. in Computer & Information Sciences & minor in Planetary Science from the University of Maryland-College Park. Outside of research, she enjoys singing, creating mixed media designs (UI/UX Design), sketching, and listening to R&B music.
Emma Kostecki, Graduate Student
Emma is a first-year master's student at the Purdue Planetary Magnetics Lab studying the paleomagnetism of speleothems to understand the relationship between magnetic fields and planetary habitability. She earned her BS in Earth Science from the University of Minnesota where she wrote her thesis on the viscous remanent magnetization of speleothems.
In her free time, she enjoys trying as many hobbies and art projects as possible. Some of the ones that have stuck being hiking, camping, reading, climbing, and watercoloring.
Allison Loper, Undergraduate Researcher
Allison is studying lunar magnetic anomalies and radiation shielding. Magnetic anomalies below the Moon's surface can produce "mini-magnetospheres" which can provide shielding from incoming space radiation, similar to how Earth's magnetic field protects us. She is working to determine the implications this may have on human lunar missions.
Allison is a senior in Applied Physics. Outside of research, she is the president of Gender Minorities in Physics (GMiP) at Purdue, and her interests include participating in K-12 science outreach, reading fantasy books, playing cozy video games, and hiking.
Brianna Petruccelli, Undergraduate Researcher
Brianna is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Planetary Science and a minor in Astronomy at Purdue University. She is currently working on simulations to investigate the role of lightning strikes in remanent magnetism on the surface of Mars. Outside of research, she is a John Martinson Honors Scholar and a Purdue Science Ambassador, and she spends her free time reading, gardening, and playing video games.
Jadden Picardal, Undergraduate Researcher
Jadden (she/her) is a junior in Computer Engineering at Purdue University working on a virtual reality simulation that helps make planetary fieldwork more accessible. She is focusing on optimizing the simulation to run more smoothly and realistically, with a broader interest in computer graphics and interactive media. Outside of research, Jadden enjoys making games, filming and editing videos, and creating playful projects that combine art and engineering.
Jadden’s Website
Hiya Samanta, Undergraduate Researcher
Hiya is an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Purdue University. She is passionate about using technology to make a difference. At the PMag Lab, she is working on developing and gamifying an instructional cave virtual reality (VR) environment to simulate field trip learnings. Outside of research, she loves to read, travel and paint.
Shane Woloszyn, Undergraduate Researcher
Shane is a freshman majoring in Computer Science and Economics, working on implementing a virtual reality experience for caves, allowing for increased accessibility of "fieldwork" that would otherwise be difficult. He is focusing on the player experience, making the rendering of the experience quick, with users having a cohesive, smooth experience. Outside of school, Shane enjoys weightlifting, going out with friends, and recreational sports.
Shane’s Website
Anushka Bhave, Undergraduate Researcher
Anushka is a freshman at Purdue University, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in public policy, hoping to work in the renewable energy sector and environmental law someday. In the lab, she is part of the VR team, helping to program an educational cave exploration VR experience. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, practicing martial arts, and volunteering.
Former Team Members
