Ferris Bosworth (He/Him)

Planetary Scientist
Planetary Magnetospheres Laboratory (695)

Did you always know that you wanted to study Planetary Science?

I always knew I wanted my ultimate career to have something to do with space. When I was younger, I wanted to go into space as an astronaut, and when I got to high school, I took every class I could that had anything to do with astronomy. I just found it so fascinating; the idea that we, as humans, are so insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe was comforting. Then when I got to college I had one of the best professors ever; his name is Dr. Dave Brain. He had a big impact on my career but specifically he studied planetary science which at the time I wasn't that interested in. However, after his class, I took on a research project during junior year with him that would spark my interest for objects within our Solar System. I also loved teaching and mentoring and enjoyed talking about our planets to people of all ages.

What is your research focus?

Initially, I was looking at how the pristine, upstream solar wind influences the induced Martian magnetosphere. I analyzed magnetic field data from the Martian satellite MAVEN to constrain the evolutionary timescales of the near-Mars space environment by characterizing changes imposed by the solar magnetic field on Mars both qualitatively and quantitatively. I constructed a Python routine to examine nine years of MAVEN data and compare subsequent closest approaches to Mars' surface of 20-minute periods for anticorrelated magnetic field measurements. By the end of my project, I had compiled a list of 176 potential heliospheric current sheets by cross-referencing the closest approach methodology and the expanded orbit sweep routine. Now, I analyze radio tracking data from the Deep Space Network of the Juno spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter, with the goal of mapping Jupiter's gravity field. We use tracking data around Juno's closest approach to Jupiter to extract latitudinal variations in the planet's gravity field, which is asymmetric. By using precise models of the forces acting on the spacecraft, and precise models of the radio tracking measurements, we can infer the forces acting on the spacecraft, the largest of which is Jupiter's gravitational attraction. This can inform us about its interior structure.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

My favorite part of my job is the cohort/mentorship program for post-baccalaureates like myself. Community is the most important thing, in my opinion, for creating a productive environment and the work of the NASA-PEER Post-Bac Constellation Mentorship Program achieves that. This program has only been around for a couple of years, but I hope it continues to be supported by the NASA scientists at Goddard so that future cohorts can also benefit and have the best experience.

What is one of your favorite moments in your career so far?

I would say either working on my undergraduate honours thesis or attending my first in-person conference. Working on research in undergrad was very cool and getting to consolidate my results into something, like a thesis, is something I'm very proud of. Then, getting to present that research to a committee and having my friends all be there was validating. The other moment I loved was going to the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference in 2024. I had attended a conference before, but it was remote due to COVID-19 and no one showed up to my poster. Having the opportunity to go in person this time was refreshing because, just at my poster alone, I had dozens of people come talk to me over the course of just a few hours. I can't wait for the next conference!

What skills are most useful to you in your work, and where did you develop those skills?

A basic understanding of coding and learning how to best look up solutions to issues are probably the most useful skills I've developed. If you can write a simple python script and know how to word your questions, you can achieve anything. I find that everyone always wants to help and if they don't know the answer, Google is a great option.

Who or what inspires you?

There is one person who has really inspired me and pushed me to who I have become and want to be. Dr. Dave Brain (currently at CU Boulder) was my freshman year, first semester astronomy professor, and ultimately became my undergraduate research advisor. He set the bar so high in terms of what it means to be a researcher, mentor, and professor. One small example of this is that he memorized the name of everyone in the intro class. There were roughly 120 students and on the first day he went up to each one and called their name. To me that shows his commitment to be as inclusive and supportive as he can of his students. One day I hope to be able to become a professor so that I can emulate him and become the “Dave” for someone else.

What is a fun fact about you?

I taught myself how to longboard last year! I've always watched skateboarders and thought that what they did looked really fun, but I never had the opportunity to learn when I was younger. So, last summer I just decided I wanted to learn how to longboard, did some research, bought a board, and practiced on campus after work every day until it got too cold outside. At some point I'll get an actual skateboard and maybe learn some tricks but I'm happy for now just riding around on my cruiser. It goes to show that it's never too late to learn a skill, even if you initially have no knowledge about it.