Michael Shepard

Michael Shepard is a Professor of Geosciences at Bloomsburg University, specializing in remote sensing, planetary photometry, and asteroid studies. He teaches courses like Applied Geophysics (EGGS 480), The Planets (EGGS 106), and Quantitative Methods (EGGS 150), emphasizing hands-on geophysical instrumentation training.

• Department: Physical and Environmental Sciences
• Research Lab: B.U.G. (Bloomfield University Goniometer) Laboratory
• Key Instruments: 12-channel seismograph, Worden gravimeter, GSS ground-penetrating radar

His research focuses on lunar and martian regolith characterization using photometric goniometers. The BUG Lab, funded by NASA's Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program, investigates bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDF) of celestial materials. Notable projects include calibration target development for Mars Exploration Rovers and diviner mission data validation through Apollo soil studies.

Recent publications analyze light scattering behavior in planetary surfaces, with applications to asteroid (16) Psyche and Kleopatra photometry. Collaborations span institutions like Cornell University, UCLA, and JPL. The BUG Lab's data contributes to planetary mission calibration and surface property inference.