Self Introduction
I’m Zhiyu Yin, a Faculty Assistant at the University of Maryland with a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Institute of Technology. My skill set spans from physics research, particularly in plasma theory, to computational sciences like data modeling and machine learning.
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Recent Updates or News
(Fri, Mar 14, 2025) Award for Early Career Paper
I am honored to share that my paper, “A computational model for ion and electron energization during macroscale magnetic reconnection,” has been selected for inclusion in the 2024 Early Career Author Special Collection in Physics of Plasmas. This annual collection highlights outstanding contributions from early career researchers across the field of plasma physics.
My work, featured alongside 30 other selected papers, focuses on advancing our understanding of charged particle energization in large-scale reconnection events, contributing to the broader study of space and astrophysical plasmas.
The full collection is available online: Physics of Plasmas 2024 Early Career Collection.
Official announcement: DOI: 10.1063/5.0266708.
I appreciate the recognition from Physics of Plasmas and look forward to continuing my research in plasma physics and computational modeling.
(Fri, Mar 7, 2025) Upcoming Talk at PPPL Magnetic Reconnection Workshop 2025
I am excited to present my research at the Magnetic Reconnection Workshop on March 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ.
My talk, “Ion Acceleration in an HCS Reconnection Event: A Comparison of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Observations with kglobal Simulations,” will explore how PSP data aligns with numerical simulations to deepen our understanding of particle acceleration during heliospheric current sheet (HCS) reconnection events.
Looking forward to engaging discussions with fellow researchers in plasma physics and space science (details)!
(Mon, Nov. 11, 2024) Upcoming Research Presentations
This fall, I’ll be presenting my latest research on particle energization and ion acceleration during magnetic reconnection events at three key events:
- AGU Fall Meeting (Dec 9, 2024, Washington, D.C.)
“Ion Acceleration in an HCS Reconnection Event: A Comparison of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Observations with kglobal Simulations.” - CGS Student Tutorial Talk (Nov 17, 2024, APL, Laurel, MD)
“Particle Energization during Magnetic Reconnection in the Earth’s Magnetotail.” - CGS Student Showcase (Nov 18, 2024, APL, Laurel, MD)
“Particle Energization during Magnetic Reconnection in the Earth’s Magnetotail.”
These presentations highlight findings from Parker Solar Probe (PSP) observations and kglobal simulations, contributing to our understanding of particle acceleration in space and astrophysical environments(details).
(Fir, Nov. 8, 2024) Ph.D. in Physics Successfully Completed
Institution: University of Maryland, College Park
Date: Fall 2024
I’m proud to share that I have officially earned my Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park.
My dissertation, “Proton Energization During Magnetic Reconnection in Macroscale Systems,” investigates proton acceleration mechanisms using the kglobal simulation model, offering insights into particle energization in space and astrophysical plasmas.
This achievement marks an exciting milestone, and I’m looking forward to applying these insights to future research and collaborations(details).
(Mon, Oct. 7, 2024) New Publication in The Astrophysical Journal
Excited to share my latest paper, “Simultaneous Proton and Electron Energization during Macroscale Magnetic Reconnection,” published in The Astrophysical Journal.
The study reveals how Fermi reflection within magnetic flux ropes drives energy gain in protons and electrons during magnetic reconnection, with protons exhibiting higher energy gains and broader power-law distributions(details).
(Mon, Jul. 15, 2024) New Paper Submitted to ArXiv
I’ve recently submitted ‘Simultaneous Proton and Electron Energization during Macroscale Magnetic Reconnection’ to ArXiv. The paper focuses on the simulation results of particle energization using the Kglobal model for macroscale magnetic reconnection. (details).
(Tue, Jul. 9, 2024) Upcoming Conference Talk in Hinode/IRIS/SPHERE at Montana State University
I will be presenting my most recent research on “Modeling Electron and Proton Acceleration in Macro Reconnection” in Hinode/IRIS/SPHERE at Montana State University on July 23, 2024. (details)
(Mon, Jun. 10, 2024) New Paper Published in Physics of Plasmas
I’m excited to announce that my paper, “Computational Model for Ion and Electron Energization during Macroscale Magnetic Reconnection,” has been published in Physics of Plasmas. This study investigates the theoretical foundations of simulation models for magnetic reconnection and presents the testing results of these models, providing a detailed analysis of the mechanisms and outcomes of magnetic reconnection at macroscales (details).
(Sun, Mar. 24 2024) Upcoming Seminar Talk in IREAP Graduate Student Seminar at University of Maryland
I will be showing my most recent research on “Ion Acceleration in an HCS Reconnection Event” in IREAP Graduate Student Seminar at University of Maryland on March 29, 2024. (details)
(Fri, Jan. 25, 2024) New Paper Submitted to ArXiv
I’ve recently submitted “Computational Model for Ion and Electron Energization during Macroscale Magnetic Reconnection” to ArXiv, focusing on the theoretical foundation and testing of simulation models for magnetic reconnection (details).
(Sat, Nov. 4 2023) Upcoming Talk in PSP Fall SWG meeting at Applied Physics Laboratory(APL)
I will be showcasing my most recent research on “Ion Acceleration in a HCS Reconnection Event: A Comparison of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Observations with kglobal Simulations” in SWG meeting at Applied Physics Laboratory on November 9, 2023. (details)
(Thu, Sept. 14 2023) Upcoming Seminar Talk in UMD Space and Cosmic Ray Physics Seminars
I will be presenting my recent research on “A new method for the simulation of electron and ion acceleration during magnetic reconnection in macroscale systems” in Space and Cosmic Ray Physics Seminars at the University of Maryland on October 23, 2023. (details)
(Wed, Sept. 6 2023) Upcoming Talks on Ion Acceleration in HCS Reconnection Events
I will be presenting my recent research on “Ion Acceleration in a HCS Reconnection Event: A Comparison of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) Observations with kglobal Simulations” at two conferences (AGU Fall and Parker Heliophysics Scholars Meeting ) later this year. (details)
Explore Further
Interested to know more? Feel free to explore my Education Background, Skill Sets, Research Interests, and Awards pages. If you’re considering a collaboration or have a job opportunity that aligns with my expertise, I’d be delighted to hear from you.