The image on the left shows how the Cluster confirms the existence of an elongated electron diffusion region. James Drake and T.D. Phan highlight this in, Observing How Magnetic Fields Reconnect , this month's Research Spotlight.

Robert Perry graduated from the UMD Physics Program in 1984. He is currently a Professor of Physics at Ohio State University, where he was recently awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award.

To read about his journey during and after school, visit the Alumni Spotlight section.