Wendy Calvin

Dr. Wendy Calvin is a Foundation Professor and Daniel A. and Edith E. O’Keefe Endowed Professor at the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno. Her research focuses on optical and infrared spectroscopy of planetary surfaces, with specialization in Mars polar processes, terrestrial analog studies, and geothermal energy exploration. She leads investigations using remote sensing data from missions like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, alongside laboratory and field analysis.

Education includes a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Colorado, Boulder (1991), and a B.S. in Physics/Math from the University of Denver (1983). Her work integrates planetary science with applied geology, addressing questions about Mars' climate history and Earth's geothermal systems.

Research interests include Martian surface alteration mechanisms, cryospheric dynamics, and geothermal reservoir characterization. She has pioneered computer vision techniques for tracking seasonal ice retreat and developed spectral methods for analyzing extraterrestrial and terrestrial ices. Her lectures (e.g., Fred Whipple and Eugene Shoemaker) highlight contributions to cometary and impact science.

Labs and teams include collaborations with the Mackay School’s geoscience teams and international Mars mission scientists. Ongoing projects involve Hawaiian geothermal analog studies and global dust mineralogy analysis.