Steve Desch

Steve Desch is a Professor of Astrophysics at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). His affiliations include leadership roles in NASA-funded projects like the NExSS grant studying geochemical cycles on exoplanets. He specializes in planetary formation, icy world evolution, and astrobiology.

Education:

• Ph.D. Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1998)
• M.S. Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago (1992)
• M.S. Physics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1991)

Research Focus:

• Star/planet formation via meteoritic data
• Chondrule and meteorite origins
• Exoplanet geochemical modeling
• Arctic ice management strategies
• Icy dwarf planet evolution (Pluto, Ceres)

Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes exoplanet geochemistry using JWST data, icy world interior modeling, and interdisciplinary astrobiology collaborations. Key themes include planetary habitability timelines and interstellar object analysis.

Grants & Initiatives:

• NASA NExSS grant (exoplanet biosignatures)
• Arctic Ice Management proposals
• TREC team (biosignature detection frameworks)

Labs/Teams: Leads SESE research groups focusing on planetary evolution and astrochemical analysis. Collaborates with NASA missions and international teams on exoplanet studies.