Dawn Y. Sumner is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on geobiology, paleobiology, and planetary science, particularly reconstructing ancient environments on Earth and Mars. She is a key member of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory team, contributing to the Curiosity rover’s exploration of Gale Crater on Mars. Sumner’s work integrates field studies, lab analyses, and interdisciplinary approaches to understand microbial life’s role in shaping Earth’s history and potential habitability on other planets. Education: Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1995). Research interests include microbialite formation, Antarctic lake ecosystems, and the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. She investigates modern microbial communities in ice-covered lakes (e.g., Lake Vanda) to understand ancient environments and their biosignatures. Her scientific awards include the California Academy of Sciences Academy Fellow (2020) and Geological Society of America Fellow (2014). Sumner emphasizes inclusive education and supports student success in STEM through feminist research practices. Labs/Teams: W.M. Keck Center for Active Visualization in the Earth Sciences (KeckCAVES), Antarctic Lake Research Group.
Frank Corsetti is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), leading the Corsetti Lab. His research focuses on the co-evolution of Earth and its biosphere, particularly during extreme events like the 'Snowball Earth' glaciation and mass extinctions. He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara (1998) and a B.S. in Geology from UC Davis (1989). Research Interests: Corsetti studies geobiological processes such as stromatolite formation, microbial carbonate systems, and the environmental impacts of mass extinctions. His lab investigates biosignatures, diagenetic processes, and astrobiological applications. Current projects include the end-Triassic mass extinction and microbial interactions in extreme environments. Advising & Grants: He mentors a team of PhD students (including Reena Joubert, Alison Cribb, and others) and has secured funding from NASA for projects like stromatolite carbonate formation studies. His work bridges paleontology, geochemistry, and microbiology, contributing to understanding Earth’s long-term climate and life history. Labs/Teams: The Corsetti Lab at USC explores stromatolites, microbial mats, and ancient Earth systems. Collaborations involve institutions like JPL and international universities.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Victoria J. Orphan is the James Irvine Professor of Environmental Science and Geobiology at Caltech, where she directs the Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions. Her research investigates microbial processes in anaerobic ecosystems including deep-sea methane seeps, hydrothermal vents, and coastal sediments using interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, stable isotope techniques, and geochemistry. Her laboratory focuses on: Microbial partnerships in methane cycling Ecophysiology of uncultured archaea and bacteria Viral ecology in marine environments Biogeochemical impacts of microbial communities Blue carbon sequestration in seagrass ecosystems Professor Orphan has developed innovative methods including BONCAT-FISH and nanoSIMS for studying microbial activity in environmental samples. Her research group maintains active field programs in Monterey Canyon and hydrothermal vent systems, and develops high-pressure incubation systems for studying deep-sea microbes. She teaches courses on microbial ecology and evolution, and mentors graduate students through the Geobiology and Environmental Science programs.
John Stolz is Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Director of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Duquesne University's School of Science and Engineering. His NASA-trained research examines microbial metal reduction, modern stromatolite ecosystems, and shale gas extraction impacts. His lab investigates arsenic/selenium biotransformation pathways, microbial communities in Shark Bay stromatolites, and environmental impacts of unconventional energy development. Recognized with multiple excellence awards including the Nobel J. Dick Endowed Chair. Over 150 publications explore microbial respiration mechanisms, biogeochemical cycling, and environmental bioremediation. Current grants support water quality testing near shale gas operations.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Taylor Perron is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he also serves as the EAPS Undergraduate Officer. His research program at MIT spans multiple interdisciplinary areas within Earth and planetary sciences, with strong connections to the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography/Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. Dr. Perron's academic background includes an AB in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Archaeology from Harvard University (1999) and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2006), followed by postdoctoral work at Harvard. His leadership roles at MIT have included serving as chair of the Program in Geology, Geochemistry, and Geobiology, and as Associate Department Head for Education. His research focuses on three interconnected areas: Landscape Evolution, Planetary Surfaces, and the Human Landscape. Within Landscape Evolution, he investigates dynamic river networks, climate-landscape interactions, grain-scale sediment transport mechanics, and the connections between landscape evolution and biological diversification. His Planetary Surfaces research examines river systems on Mars and Titan, using spacecraft data to understand extraterrestrial hydrological processes. The Human Landscape component explores archaeological applications of geomorphology, particularly in the Amazon basin. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on comparative planetary hydrology, with significant work on Earth, Mars, and Titan. His research increasingly integrates field observations, mathematical modeling, and remote sensing to address questions about landscape evolution across different planetary environments and timescales, with growing attention to anthropogenic impacts on Earth's surface processes. Scientific Awards & Honors: MacArthur Fellowship (2021) James B. Macelwane Medal, American Geophysical Union (2014) Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2014) Editorial Committee Member, Annual Review of Earth & Planetary Sciences (2017-present) Dr. Perron has established a productive research group that collaborates across disciplines and institutions, including significant partnerships with WHOI, NASA missions, and archaeological teams. His work bridges fundamental questions about planetary evolution with practical implications for understanding climate change impacts on Earth's surface systems.
Dr. Tessa M. Hill is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Programs, Public Scholarship & Engagement. She is affiliated with the Bodega Marine Laboratory, leading the Bodega Ocean Acidification Research (BOAR) group and the Ocean Climate Lab. Her work focuses on climate change impacts, particularly ocean acidification and deoxygenation, and integrates research with policy and education initiatives. Tessa holds a B.S. in Marine Science from Eckerd College (1999) and a Ph.D. in Marine Science from UC Santa Barbara (2004). She was a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Davis before joining the faculty. Her research examines marine species responses to environmental changes, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to inform management strategies. Notable projects include collaborations with shellfish farmers and K-12 educators to address ocean acidification challenges. Tessa is a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and serves on the West Coast Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia Panel. She advocates for inclusive academic reward systems and equitable impact metrics in science. Key Roles: Faculty member, BOAR group leader, AAAS panelist, science education advocate Research Groups: Bodega Ocean Acidification Research (BOAR), Ocean Climate Lab, Hill Biogeochemistry Lab Her outreach efforts emphasize bridging science and policy, including workshops on paleoceanography’s relevance to decision-making. Tessa’s work highlights the importance of seagrass ecosystems in mitigating coastal ocean acidification and the need for adaptive strategies in marine conservation. She also addresses microplastic pollution and its effects on shellfish health, reflecting her broad commitment to environmental science and societal impact.
Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyUnited States
Bob Kopp is a Professor at Rutgers University's Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences and Co-Director of the University Office of Climate Action. He leads the NSF-funded Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub (MACH), focusing on climate risk management in the Northeast U.S. and advancing understanding of coastal climate interactions. He co-directs the Climate Impact Lab, a multidisciplinary collaboration assessing climate economic risks. His research spans climate uncertainty, sea-level dynamics, and climate policy, with leadership roles in IPCC assessments and U.S. National Climate Assessments. Education: Ph.D. in Geobiology from Caltech (2000s) and B.S. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago. Prior to Rutgers, he served as AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at the U.S. Department of Energy and postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University. Affiliations include Rutgers Climate Institute, Energy Institute, and graduate programs in Atmospheric Sciences, Geological Sciences, Oceanography, Statistics, and Planning & Public Policy. Research interests emphasize climate change impacts, sea-level projections, and policy integration. Key contributions include frameworks for probabilistic sea-level assessments (e.g., PaleoSTeHM) and adaptive strategies for coastal resilience. His work bridges scientific analysis with actionable policy, emphasizing stakeholder engagement in megaregions like the New York–Philadelphia urban corridor. Grants include NSF-funded projects totaling millions, supporting interdisciplinary climate solutions. Awards: Not explicitly listed, but recognized for leadership in IPCC and U.S. climate reports. Grants: Includes NSF support for MACH and Climate Impact Lab. Labs/Teams: Directs MACH, Climate Impact Lab, and collaborates with Rutgers' EOAS and Climate Institute.
Nadja Drabon is an Assistant Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She leads the Drabon Group , focused on understanding early Earth habitability through crustal processes and environmental changes. Her research integrates stratigraphy, geochemistry, and field studies of ancient geological formations like the Barberton and Pilbara cratons. Education: B.S. in Geological Sciences, Free University of Berlin (2011) Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University (2018) Research Interests: Drabon examines: Formation of Hadean/Archean crust via zircon and detrital mineral analysis Impact events' influence on early life and environments Archean tectonic processes using sedimentary and geochemical proxies Labs & Collaborations: Her lab coordinates with institutions globally, focusing on fieldwork in Australia and South Africa. She actively seeks PhD students for projects analyzing early Earth crustal evolution and biosphere interactions.
Dr. Nathan Sheldon is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan (U-M), part of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). His research focuses on paleoclimatology, environmental biogeochemistry, and biosphere-environment interactions. He leads the Geobiology Research in Terrestrial Systems (GRiTS) lab, which integrates geochemical analyses, stable isotope studies, and modeling to explore Earth’s climate history. Dr. Sheldon’s work emphasizes reconstructing ancient CO2 levels, paleoclimate dynamics, and microbial ecosystems. Education: PhD in Geological Sciences, University of Oregon (2003) BA in Geology, Carleton College (1999) Research Interests: Environmental Biogeochemistry Climate Change and Paleoclimate Geochemical proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstruction Microbialite formation and early Earth systems His lab investigates terrestrial and lake sediment records to understand long-term climate shifts and biosphere interactions. Awards: 2020 AAAS Fellow for contributions to paleosol-based CO2 reconstructions Advising & Labs: Dr. Sheldon mentors students in graduate and undergraduate programs. His GRiTS lab operates from facilities in the North University Building (labs 3501 and 5565). Research includes collaborative projects like the Cenozoic CO2 Proxy Integration Project (CENCO2PIP), aiming to synthesize atmospheric CO2 histories. Key Locations: The lab is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabeg peoples. Dr. Sheldon’s global fieldwork includes sites in Iceland, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands.
Sara Pruss is the Esther Cloudman Dunn Professor of Geosciences at Smith College, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in geobiology and paleontology. Her work focuses on critical transitions in Earth's history, particularly mass extinctions and the evolution of early life forms. She maintains an active research program that combines field work, laboratory analysis, and theoretical approaches to understand the complex interactions between life and Earth's environments through geological time. Education: Ph.D., University of Southern California M.S., University of Southern California B.S., University of Rochester Professor Pruss's research spans several interconnected areas within geobiology and paleontology. Her primary focus is on understanding mass extinction events, particularly the end-Permian extinction and Cambrian-Ordovician transitions. She investigates how these events affected marine ecosystems and the subsequent recovery patterns. Her work on Neoproterozoic carbonates and early animal evolution has provided important insights into the environmental conditions that facilitated the emergence of complex life. Professor Pruss also examines microbial sedimentary structures and their implications for interpreting ancient environments. Her research often combines detailed field observations with geochemical analyses to reconstruct paleoenvironments and understand the taphonomic processes that affect fossil preservation. Analysis of Professor Pruss's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on critical transitions in Earth's history. Her work spans the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, the Cambrian-Ordovician transition, and the Permian-Triassic extinction. A recurring theme is the relationship between environmental changes (particularly oxygenation and redox conditions) and biological evolution. Her research increasingly incorporates geochemical proxies like mercury chemostratigraphy to identify potential volcanic triggers for extinction events. The geographical scope of her work is global, with field sites in North America, Scotland, Namibia, and the Arctic. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Contributions to Geobiosciences by the Society for Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (2014) Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching by Smith College (2015) Professor Pruss has mentored numerous undergraduate students through her research lab at Smith College. Several of her former students, including Katie Castagno, Jana Burke, Kelsey Moore, Sophie Westacott, and Kiara Gomez, have gone on to earn PhDs from prestigious institutions like MIT, Yale, and Woods Hole. Her research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. Beyond her research mentorship, Professor Pruss has been actively involved in programs aimed at supporting underrepresented women in STEM fields, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive excellence in science education. Professor Pruss leads an active research laboratory at Smith College that combines field, laboratory, and analytical approaches to geobiological research. Her lab has produced numerous publications with undergraduate co-authors, reflecting Smith's strong emphasis on undergraduate research. The lab's work often involves international collaborations with researchers from institutions around the world. Current research directions include investigating the relationship between oxygenation and early animal evolution, studying microbial influences on sedimentary structures, and examining the environmental triggers for major extinction events throughout Earth's history.
David Johnston is a Full Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He holds the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation Professorship and serves as Co-Director of Graduate Studies. Johnston's expertise spans Geobiology, Geochemistry, and Earth History, with a focus on using isotopic measurements to unravel Earth's geological and environmental evolution. His research integrates field geology, geochemical analysis, and microbial physiology, emphasizing marine and terrestrial processes. Johnston earned a BS in Environmental Studies and Philosophy from Bates College (2002) and a PhD in Geology from the University of Maryland, College Park (2007). He was a Microbial Sciences Institute Fellow at Harvard (2007–2009) before joining the Harvard faculty in 2009. His lab, the Johnston Lab, promotes inclusivity and equity in geosciences, particularly for underrepresented students. The lab operates on Harvard University’s land, historically inhabited by the Massachusett, Wampanoag, and Nipmuc peoples. Recent research highlights include studies on submarine hydrothermal systems’ influence on seawater sulfate, microbial control over marine oxygen isotopes, and Archean ocean-atmosphere dynamics. The lab’s work is published in journals like *Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta*, *PNAS Nexus*, and *Earth and Planetary Science Letters*. Collaborative projects, such as the Sedimentary Geochemistry and Paleoenvironments Project, emphasize statistical methods for deep-time environmental reconstructions. Johnston’s lab is located at 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, with contact details available via johnston@eps.harvard.edu. The lab’s webpage (https://johnstonlab.fas.harvard.edu) provides further information on ongoing projects, publications, and outreach initiatives.
Rowan C Martindale is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences within the Jackson School of Geosciences. His research focuses on marine paleoecology, mass extinctions, and carbon cycle perturbations in deep time, particularly the Triassic-Jurassic and Toarcian Ocean Anoxic Event. He leads the Martindale Lab, which investigates Jurassic reef crises, Lagerstätten preservation, and modern reef decline. His work integrates field studies, geochemical analyses, and educational tools like board games to enhance STEM engagement. Affiliations: UT Austin Non-vertebrate Paleontology Lab GSA Geobiology & Geomicrobiology Division (Executive Committee) Education: Doctoral research centered on Triassic/Jurassic boundary reef collapse linked to ocean acidification. Postdoctoral opportunities at Scripps and Humboldt Foundation were declined. Research Interests: Reconstruction of ancient reef ecosystems, exceptional fossil preservation mechanisms, and applying paleontological insights to modern conservation. Key projects include the Pliensbachian/Toarcian reef crisis and Jamaican coral reef monitoring. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2015, emphasizing Jurassic paleoecology, fossil preservation, and education innovation. Top-tier journals include Paleontology , Geology , and Papers in Palaeontology . Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2019) UT Austin Teaching Excellence Award (2017) Advising & Grants: Supervised 15+ graduate students and postdocs. Secured NSF grants for reef research and educational initiatives like the GeoPATHS program in Jamaica. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with global institutions on field projects in Morocco, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. Lab focuses on combining fieldwork, microscopy, and geochemical analyses.
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States
Gaia Stucky de Quay is an Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), appointed to the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) in 2023. She holds the Peter Puster (1995) and Paula Waschbusch (1994) Career Development Professorship, effective January 1, 2025. Her research investigates the driving forces behind the formation, evolution, and decay of planetary surfaces across the solar system, with particular focus on Mars and Earth analogs. Dr. Stucky de Quay's research interests span planetary surface processes including fluvial systems, lakes & hydrology, volcanic terrains, glaciated landforms, icy satellites, uplift & dynamic support, climate-land links, and landscape evolution. She employs a multi-faceted approach combining theoretical studies, field work, remote sensing, and laboratory analyses to quantify the interactions between fluvial erosion, climate, and tectonics across various spatial and temporal scales. Her work seeks to understand whether Mars had conditions suitable for life by examining ancient river systems and lake formations. Her publication record demonstrates expertise in Martian paleoclimate studies, with significant contributions to understanding precipitation constraints from paleolakes on Mars and the persistence of climate-driven runoff in Mars' history. She also conducts important research on Earth's post-glacial landscape evolution, particularly in Iceland, which serves as an analog for understanding Martian surface processes. Early Career Grant, British Society for Geomorphology (2020) Ralph Brown Expedition Award, Royal Geographical Society (2020) Dr. Stucky de Quay's research bridges Earth and planetary sciences, with implications for understanding both planetary habitability and natural hazards on Earth. Her lab investigates volcanic islands as accessible analogs for Martian terrain, examining how climate shapes landscapes over geological time. She is building a research group focused on planetary analog studies that transfers knowledge between different planetary bodies while integrating multiple techniques from field work to computational analysis.
Jennifer F. Biddle is the Mary A.S. Lighthipe Professor of Marine Studies at the University of Delaware's School of Marine Science & Policy. Her research focuses on microbial ecology of marine systems, deep biosphere life, benthic archaea and bacteria, and geobiology. She leads the Biddle Lab, which explores subsurface microbial processes and their impacts on global biogeochemical cycles. Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University (2006) B.S. with Honors, Biotechnology, Rutgers University (1999) Her work spans topics such as Microbial diversity in deep marine sediments Methane cycling in coastal and open ocean environments Interactions between marine organisms and their microbiomes Biogeochemical processes in extreme environments Recent metagenomic studies from her lab reveal conserved microbial functions across tropical reef fish guts and dynamic archaeal-bacterial communities in Atlantic Ocean sediments. The Biddle Lab maintains active engagement with scientific communities through social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, emphasizing outreach and collaborative science.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Tina Treude is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences and the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. She serves as Director of UCLA’s Marine Center at the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IoES), fostering interdisciplinary marine science collaboration. Her research spans geomicrobiology, biogeochemical cycles, and climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. Diploma in Biology (1999) from University of Kiel PhD in Biogeochemistry (2004) from Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and University of Bremen Treude’s research focuses on microbial methane cycling in marine sediments, biogeochemical processes in oxygen minimum zones, and geomicrobiological responses to environmental changes. Her work combines field studies, laboratory experiments, and geochemical analyses to understand ecosystem dynamics. Notable trends in her publications include methane oxidation mechanisms, sulfur and nitrogen cycling in anoxic environments, and microbial adaptation to extreme marine conditions. Recent articles emphasize Santa Barbara Basin and Arctic Ocean studies. Scientific Awards: Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award As a principal investigator, she collaborates on projects like the USC Sea Grant study of oxygen deficiency in Santa Monica Basin. Her lab trains students in radiotracer incubations, molecular methods, and sediment analysis. Treude has spent over two years at sea, conducting fieldwork via submersibles and research vessels globally.
