Understanding how energy flows from Earth’s radiation belts into the upper atmosphere is a central challenge in geospace science and space weather. In this seminar, I will present recent observational and modeling work aimed at linking magnetospheric drivers, particle transport dynamics, and atmospheric impacts within a unified framework. I will first show how intense wave–particle interactions in the outer radiation belt regulate extreme electron fluxes and loss. I will then introduce a particle tracing model that quantifies low-latitude electron precipitation from the inner radiation belt driven by large-scale electric fields, an important but virtually unexplored source of atmospheric energy input. Finally, I will outline future directions aimed at directly coupling radiation belt variability to ionization, heating, and optical emissions in the upper atmosphere, helping to clarify the physical links between magnetospheric dynamics and atmospheric response.

*Refreshments: 1:30 - 2:00 PM (EST L1175)