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I am currently a PhD student at Montana State University in the Civil Engineering department, with an emphasis in applied mechanics. My primary area of research is snow and avalanches, focusing specifically on determining the conditions necessary to form a well known avalanche weak layer known as near-surface facets. This website has been built for disseminating information regarding my research and future career goals; the information below is a summary and the links to the left will provide you with additional details. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in any part of my research - I enjoy exchanging ideas… |
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Career Goals: Upon completion of my PhD, slated for December of 2008, I hope to earn a faculty position that I can explore my interest in snow and cold regions engineering research as well as teach and advise students.
Current Research: My current research focuses on near-surface faceted snow crystals, which is a layer of snow that forms in the uppermost layer of a snowpack. When buried, this layer is a common weak interface for slab avalanches. The goal of my PhD research is to first, using laboratory experiments, determine the environmental conditions necessary to form these near-surface facets. For example, how much incoming solar radiation or at what air temperatures, etc.
Then using a mathematical model, I plan to develop a graphical tool that should aid in predicting the formation of near-surface facets using weather inputs such as solar radiation, air temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
The overall goal of the project is to improve understanding of the near-surface facets in hopes of developing a tool to aid in the prediction of such snow layers.
ONGOING RESEARCH: I am currently working on laboratory experiments of snow penitents, which are spike-like formations common in the Andes Mountains of S. America.
OUTREACH: I am involved with a educational outreach program funded by the National Science Foundation and the Big Ski Institute that allows me to work with a 5th grade teacher at Ophir School to enhance the science curriculum at the school as well as improve my own communication skills.
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EDUCATION: Montana State University (‘04 - present) PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering
Washington State University (‘02 - ‘04) M.S. in Civil Engineering
Michigan Technological University (‘98 - ‘02) B.S. in Civil Engineering
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Andrew E. Slaughter PhD Candidate in Applied Mechanics, Montana State University |
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email: slaughter@montana.edu |
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Last Updated: Dec. 11, 2007
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