PhD candidate · Space physics
Dominique “Nique” Stumbaugh
Space physicist studying electron precipitation through coordinated spacecraft observations and machine-learning techniques.
Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences · UCLA
About
Following particles across systems.
Nique is a PhD candidate in UCLA Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, specializing in space physics. Her work examines electron precipitation by bringing together measurements from multiple spacecraft and modern machine-learning methods. She approaches these questions across the boundaries between observation, physical interpretation, and computation.
Before joining AOS, she earned a BS in Astrophysics from UCLA’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and completed a minor in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. After completing her dissertation, she will begin her career as a space scientist at The Aerospace Corporation and continue research developed during her PhD.
Research
Three connected threads.
01 / PHYSICS
Electron precipitation
Understanding how energetic electrons leave the magnetosphere and deposit energy into the atmosphere.
02 / OBSERVE
Coordinated spacecraft
Combining measurements from different platforms to connect processes across regions and scales.
03 / LEARN
Machine learning
Using data-driven methods to identify structure in complex observations and support physical interpretation.
Recognition, teaching & leadership
A record of scholarship and service.
Awards
- NASA FINESST Award
- AOS Bosart Award
- AOS Neiburger Award
- AGU Outstanding Student Presentation Award
- UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award for Teaching Assistants
Teaching & leadership
Nique taught nine times in AOS, earned both the CIRTL Certificate and Graduate Certificate for Writing Pedagogy, and served the SGEG, GEM Student Committee, AGU SPA Executive Committee as student chair, and UCLA’s Exploring Your Universe.
Research experience
Her graduate training included internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and The Aerospace Corporation.