Suleiman M. Baraka

National Institute of Aerospace

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A STEM professional with over two decades of experience in plasma kinetic modeling, data analytics, and 3D particle-in-cell simulations in the fields of astrophysics and space. Competent in data visualization, IDL, Python, and Fortran. Scholarly author and skilled science communicator. Wanting to put my technological skills to use in a leadership or consulting capacity where I can encourage creativity and new ideas, and made STEM-outreach media appearances on TV and online news.

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Suleiman M. Baraka

  • National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, VA, USA

Bio

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Dr. Suleiman M. Baraka

Dr. Suleiman M. Baraka is a distinguished scientist with over 20 years of experience in space and astrophysical plasma research. He earned his Ph.D. in Magnetospheric and Astrophysics from Sorbonne University in Paris, France, where he specialized in Kinetic Modeling and Particle-In-Cell (PIC) EM 3D Global Simulations.

Currently, Dr. Baraka is a Senior Research Scientist at the National Institute of Aerospace in the United States. He also conducts research in physics and astronomy at both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, contributing significantly to the advancement of these fields.

During his doctoral research, Dr. Baraka utilized PIC simulations to explore the dynamic interactions between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. His groundbreaking work on the magnetopause's response to variations in the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and solar wind conditions closely aligns with data from space missions such as MMS, ARTEMIS, THEMIS, and Cluster.

Dr. Baraka's current research focuses on lunar surface charging and the interaction between stellar winds and exoplanets, particularly those orbiting within the corona of their parent stars.

Education

  • Ph.D.2007

    Ph.D. in Astrophysics

    Pierre and Marie Curie University, France

  • M.Sc.2003

    Master of Theoretical Physics

    IU Gaza, Palestine

  • B.Sc.1987

    Bachelor of Science - Full Major Physics

    Al-Quds University Jerusalem, Palestine

Appointments

  • Present 2022

    Researcher

    University of Calgary, Calgary, A B

    • Present 2021

      Part-Time Researcher

      University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

      • Present 2019

        Senior Research Scientist

        National Institute of Aerospace, VA, USA

      • 2019 2018

        Fulbright Visiting Scholar

        Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, vt@space Virginia Tech, VA, USA

      • Present 2012

        UNESCO Chair-holder for Astronomy

        Astrophysics and Space Sciences at Gaza Universities, Gaza, Palestine

      • 2018 2010

        Director and Founder of Center for Astronomy and Space Sciences

        Al-Aqsa University, Gaza, Palestine

      • 2009 2008

        Post-doctoral Research Associate

        Virginia Tech, NIA-NASA, VA, USA

Professional Memberships

  • Present 2023

    Member

    Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP)

    • Present 2017

      Member

      American Physical Society (APS)

    • Present 2015

      Member

      International Astronomical Union (IAU)

    • Present 2011

      Member

      European Geophysical Union (EGU)

    • Present 2007

      Member

      Arab Union for Astronomy and Space (AUASS)

    • Present 2005

      Member

      American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Honors, Awards and Grants

  • Feb 2018
    Renata Borlone International Award
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    Sophia University Institute, Loppiano, Florence, Italy.
  • 2016-2018
    Joint Franco Palestinian Research Grant (20,000 Euros)
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    Government of France, France
  • Oct 2015
    Invited Professor grant (5,000 Euros)
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    Pierre and Marie Curie University, LPP, Paris, France.
  • Sept 2015
    Erasmus Mundus IRFU (4,000 Euros)
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    Uppsala University, Sweden.
  • June 2015
    Bank of Palestine Support Grant for conducting research at NIA NASA (16,000 USD)
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    Bank of Palestine, Palestine.
  • 2011-2013
    Joint Franco Palestinian Research Grant (20,000 Euros)
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    Government of France, France