Science at DTM is supported by a number of resources. Technological advancements have contributed to more extensive research of planetary and geological science. At the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, one individual is a key facilitator of this. Michael Acierno began working at DTM in 1984. His academic background in physics and astrophysics made DTM a natural fit to combine his areas of interest and expertise.

Acierno began his IT career at Goddard Space Flight Center where he developed programs for the analysis of satellite data. His projects included work on IUE (International Ultraviolet Explorer) and SMM (Solar Maximum Mission) satellites.  His experience in managing computer systems and hardware is what led him to DTM.

Acierno’s contributions to DTM science are endless and diverse.  He began his career by working with the astronomers at the Space Telescope Science Institute to create an image processing system. Most recently, Acierno works with DTM’s Electronic Design Engineer, Brian Schleigh, designing and building a datalogger which collects high resolution strainmeter and seismometer data in real-time and provides internet access to the data and instrumentation from anywhere in the world. Right now dataloggers are installed in Japan, Taiwan, Greece, Italy, Iceland, and California. The data from these sites is copied to local storage servers on a daily basis. When an event occurs at a location Acierno and Schleigh can access the data immediately. In places like Italy and Iceland, the datalogger systems are part of the local civil defense network for monitoring volcanic activity.

Information technology continues to play a strong role in scientific advancements. But Acierno says it is his colleagues and travels that make his job like none other. “My colleagues at DTM make working here a pleasure,” says Acierno. “It is a very comfortable and friendly working environment.”

Right now, he’s in Greece, working with DTM staff scientists Alan Linde & Selwyn Sacks to install a third strainmeter as part of a small network for seismic monitoring along the Gulf of Corinth.

“Traveling the world in support of the strainmeter program is a wonderful opportunity. Visiting places around the world, meeting, working with, and learning from colleagues in other countries and cultures is a rewarding experience. It is something I never thought would happen when I began this career,” says Acierno.

For more information on Michael Acierno or information technology at DTM, please visit his page.