Jeffrey Gillis

Jeffrey Gillis is a Research Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis, affiliated with the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. He holds a PhD from Rice University and a BS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. His research focuses on planetary geology, particularly the Moon, Mercury, and asteroids, with emphasis on space weathering processes.

Professional experience includes roles at the University of Hawaii’s Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (2002–2019) and Washington University (1998–2002). He has contributed to NASA missions like Clementine, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and MESSENGER. His team, ICE Five-O (Interdisciplinary Consortium for Evaluating Volatile Origins), investigates volatile origins in space through NASA’s SSERVI program.

Key research themes include simulating space weathering via laser experiments, analyzing lunar samples, and studying water ice dynamics on airless bodies. He also develops sensors for lunar dust monitoring and contributes to Artemis sample analysis initiatives. Gillis has authored over 80 articles, with recent work addressing lunar regolith composition, crater counting methodologies, and instrument calibration for planetary exploration.