Christopher Hamilton

Christopher Hamilton is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, affiliated with the Department of Planetary Sciences and Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL). He has been with LPL since 2014 and is actively involved in planetary surface process research.

• Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Hawaii (2010)
• Specializes in volcanic processes, planetary geophysics, and astrobiology

His research integrates field observations, remote sensing, geophysical modeling, and machine learning to study geological processes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Recent work focuses on Mars analog studies in Iceland, lunar volcanic volatiles, and drone-based planetary exploration architectures.

Current projects include the RAVEN: Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network (PI) and LIFE: Lava-Induced Fumarolic Environments (PI) under NASA and EU funding. His team employs drones, hyperspectral tools, and geospatial analysis to advance planetary science.

Hamilton mentors graduate students in Planetary Sciences and Geosciences, including Maddy Christensen and Nathan Hadland, while collaborating with postdocs like Wesley Tucker. His lab investigates planetary analogs in Iceland and New Mexico, linking terrestrial volcanic systems to extraterrestrial environments.