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Magdalena Kuzmicz-Cieslak

Magdalena Kuzmicz-Cieslak

Faculty Res Asst

Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology

Education

MS A. Mickiewicz University

Ph D A. Mickiewicz University

About

Education 2003 – PhD in Physics from A. Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland 1997 – Master’s degree in Physics from A. Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Poland, Specialization in Earth Physics. Professional experience 2009 –2013 GEST/ University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA: Faculty Research Assistant. 2004 – 2009 JCET/ University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA: Research Associate. 2003 – 2004 Polish Academy of Sciences Space Research Centre, Borowiec, Poland Astrogeodynamic Observatory: Research Associate. 1997 – 2003 Astronomical Observatory, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland: PhD student

Research Interests

Dr. Kuzmicz-Cieslak's main research task supports the investigation of mean sea-level monitoring using operational satellite data and SLR. Satellite laser ranging (SLR) refers to a global network of observation stations measures the round trip time of flight of ultrashort pulses of light to satellites equipped with retroreflectors. This provides instantaneous range measurements of millimeter level precision which can be accumulated to provide accurate measurement of orbits and a host of important scientific data. Furthermore, she is further contributing to investigation of the improved analysis of SLR data with GEODYN II and in combination with other data to obtain a set of normal equations that will yield the Terrestrial Reference Frame. Dr. Kuzmicz-Cieslak is specifically focusing on the reanalysis of all SLR data from 1976 to the present with the inclusion of the atmospheric modeling. This research assists with building more precise models of the gravitational field of the Earth. Currently, Dr. Kuzmicz-Cieslak, and her research group, is working on the expansion of the Very Long baseline Interferometry (VLBI) simulation package using NASA's supercomputer. This will enable scientists to carry out several large scale simulations and to combine various algorithms and produce a TRF that satisfies the accuracy requirments of the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) program.