Terrence Pierce - Home Page

Interests

Machine Learning (ML)
- ML Classification of satellite lightning data
- Presented ML Research at 2023 American Meteorological Society (AMS)
- Awarded Honorable Mention for presentation
Machine Learning is a very efficient means of unveiling connections between data types. As data continues to explode, the power of ML grows exponentially. Being useful across almost every discipline of science and research, ML is a valuable skill I am trying to learn more every day.
Research
- Interests in lightning data, plasma propulsion, and metamaterials
- 3 years of lightning data and sensor research
- Researched under Dr. Daile Zhang, Dr. Ryan Said, Dr. Jarred Young, and more
Research is all about exploring the unknown and learning along the journey. My goal is to be at the forefront of technological innovation and uncover new technologies to help as many people as possible. Although I understand that I have a long way to go, I am determined to gain as much research experience as possible to prepare myself for my desired career in research.
Education
- Teaching Fellow - ENES100 (Introduction to Engineering Design)
- Former Academic Peer Mentor for CHEM135 (General Chemistry for Engineers)
I am blessed to have had passionate and caring teachers my entire life. I strive to one day match these teachers' immensely positive impacts on countless students. I plan to gain experience in research and education to assist in my voyage of becoming a professor.

Space Power and Propulsion Laboratory, College Park MD

2023-Present

Research Assistant - Plasma Propulsion Research
UMD Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, College Park, MD

2021-2023, Present

Undergraduate Research Assistant - Atmospheric Electricity Research Team
Vaisala United States Headquarters, Boulder, CO

2023

Giant Leap Intern - Lightning Sensor Data Analysis
UMD Keystone Department, College Park, MD

2023-Present

Undergraduate Teaching Fellow - Introduction to Engineering Design
UMD Vertically Integrated Projects, College Park, MD

2024-Present

At-Home Fluids Research Project - Fan Module and Boundary Layer Team Members
UMD XPrize Initiative, College Park, MD

2023-Present

Drone Fire Suppression - Detector Design Team Member
UMD Chemistry Department

2023

Academic Peer Mentor - Chemistry for Engineers

Presenting Author - 2023 AMS - Developing a Blended Lightning Dataset and its Applications
Presenting Author - Invited Talk at Cooperative Institute Mid-term Review - Developing a Blended Lightning Dataset and its Applications
Author - 2022 GLM Annual Science Team Meeting - Developing a Raspberry Pi-based Camera Network and Its Applications

Presenting Author - 2023 AGU - A Sensor-Level Analysis of Higher Effective Peak Current of Intracloud pulses in GLD360 relative to the NLDN
Presenting Author - 2021 AGU - A Case Study Intercomparing MALMA and GLM
Author - 2022 AGU - Developing & Deploying Tools to Better Observe Lightning in the Washington D.C. Area & Beyond