Public profile
Biography
Dr. Alexander's main area of interest is the study of the dynamic solar corona via the analysis and theoretical interpretation of thermal and non-thermal radiation. His primary contributions have been in the area of solar flare and CME physics where he has developed theoretical models for the production of gamma-rays, hard X-rays, and soft X-ray line broadening. Currently, he is involved with a number of projects relating to understanding the initiation and evolution of solar flares and CMEs by exploring particle production in association with, magnetic topology, helicity injection and filament eruptions. He has recently led a study investigating the long-term behaviour of solar active regions in their build-up to large Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events. Dr. Alexander has recently started exploring a number of other areas including star-planet interactions with a focus on apply what we learn in the solar system to other extrasolar systems and to the development of novel instrumentation for earth observing. Dr. Alexander is working with colleagues in the Department of Engineering to develop a novel snapshot hyperspectral imager for unique earth observation applications.
Research areas
Solar Physics, Space Exploration, star-planet interactions, earth remote sensing instrumentation