C. Alex Young

I am the Associate Director for Science in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. A bit of a mouthful, basically in my position I promote the science of the division and oversee our Education and Public Outreach efforts.

A little bit country, a little bit rockin roll. Well, not so much country but a lotta bit geek. I have some classic tendencies of sci-fi fan/crazy cat guy. From an early age, I was tinkering with my parents stuff taking things apart to figure out how they worked. This curiosity continued on into high school where I built my first laser for which I won an award an international science competition.

I received an undergraduate degree at Florida State University while working for the now-defunct Super Conducting Super Collider. After taking time off to work in the mountains of New Hampshire waiting tables and skiing, I went to the University of New Hampshire to study Quantum Chaos Theory. Somehow I instead ended up receiving a Master and Ph.D. in high-energy astrophysics studying cosmic gamma-ray bursts and solar gamma-ray flares. I spend my days studying the Sun and space weather as well as ways to make the most of the data. This includes using image processing and statistical methods.

I have a passion for sharing my small bit of knowledge with all so I started "The Sun Today" blog and SM sites. I also enjoy running, traveling, watching movies and playing video games.