New Mexico State astronomer blends solar physics and AI

Julie Shetye, PhD, an assistant professor at New Mexico State University and science lead at the Sunspot Solar Observatory, is using solar observations and AI to improve space-weather forecasting. Her work targets risks to satellites, aviation, and communications while she also trains students for research and NASA-related careers.

Why it matters: - Solar activity can disrupt satellites, aviation systems, communications, and other critical infrastructure. - Shetye's research aims to improve nowcasting and risk assessment by combining solar observations with data science and machine learning. - The work links basic solar physics to practical forecasting tools used in space-weather operations.

What happened: - Julie Shetye, PhD, is an assistant professor of astronomy at New Mexico State University and Science Lead at the Sunspot Solar Observatory. - Her research focuses on solar physics and space weather, including flares, magnetic variability, and chromospheric dynamics. - Shetye joined New Mexico State University in 2021. - Her work is featured by Influential Women.

The details: - Shetye uses high-resolution solar observations, statistics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in her research. - Her work includes observational astrophysics, solar atmosphere modeling, time-series analysis, and computational methods. - She has collaborated with NASA and the National Science Foundation. - She has six years of professional experience and has received six awards. - Her academic path included the University of Mumbai, University College London, Queen’s University Belfast, and postdoctoral research at the University of Warwick. - She earned her Ph.D. at Queen’s University Belfast. - Her research at New Mexico State University has expanded through federally funded initiatives supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation. - She holds certifications in neural networks, convolutional neural networks, PyTorch and deep learning, Python, data analysis, artificial intelligence foundations, machine learning, and data science. - She is a member of the American Geophysical Union, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and a member of the Institute of Physics.

Between the lines: - Space-weather research is moving closer to operational use as AI tools become more integrated with observational science. - Shetye's mentorship focus suggests universities are using research programs to widen access to STEM for underrepresented and first-generation students. - Her interest in startup development points to growing pressure to translate academic research into scalable products and services. - Shetye says her grandmother shaped her views on education, independence, and persistence. - She says her career advice is to keep fighting for one's rights, believe in oneself, and navigate challenges without backing down. - She says empathy and integrity guide her decisions in science, leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.

What's next: - Shetye is moving toward startup development with colleagues. - She expects collaboration among academia, industry, defense, and engineering to play a larger role in space-weather research. - She will continue training undergraduate and graduate students in space physics, AI-driven science, and NASA-relevant careers.

The bottom line: - Shetye is building a career at the intersection of solar science, AI, and mentorship, with a focus on research that can be used beyond the lab. - She presents her work as a mix of scientific rigor, practical impact, and student development. - More information is available in her Influential Women profile.