Planetary Volatile Evolution Professors and Supervisors

Charles E. WoodwardView profile

Professor

University of Minnesota Twin CitiesUnited States

Charles E. "Chick" Woodward is Full Professor of Astronomy in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Minnesota , and a core faculty member of the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics (MIfA). He serves as Program Director for the University of Minnesota– Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) / Steward Observatories partnership, Vice-Chair of the LBT Observatory Board of Directors, and Associate Director of the MLOF & OBO observatories. Additional affiliations include membership in the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) consortium. Education: Ph.D. in Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, 1987 M.A. in Physics, University of Rochester, 1982 A.B. in Physics, Dartmouth College, 1980 Research Interests: Woodward is an international authority on XUVOIR (X-ray–UV–Optical–IR) observational astrophysics . His work addresses the physics of interstellar and circumstellar dust grains , the energetic and chemical evolution of classical nova explosions , the life cycles of evolved stars , and the thermal and compositional behaviour of comets and small Solar-System bodies . A parallel strand of research involves telescope and instrumentation development , including leadership roles in Spitzer Space Telescope legacy science planning, SOFIA airborne observatory utilisation, and interferometric exoplanet surveys with the LBT Interferometer . Recent Publication Themes (2010–2011): Recent refereed works demonstrate a breadth of inquiry spanning high-redshift galaxy spectroscopy, detailed mid-infrared analyses of cometary fragments, chemical and dust evolution in novae, multi-epoch studies of supernova remnants, and large-scale infrared surveys of evolved stellar populations and asteroids. Honours & Awards: National Science Foundation – White House Presidential Faculty Fellow National Science Foundation – Young Investigator Award Smithsonian Institution Faculty Fellow – Air & Space Museum Ford Foundation Minority Fellow Multiple University of Wyoming teaching awards (1992–1999) Advising, Grants & Infrastructure: Woodward currently mentors one post-doctoral researcher, two graduate students, and three undergraduates within the Minnesota Infrared Lab . Research is supported competitively by the NSF and NASA . The group operates a dedicated 30 TB data server and over 15 client workstations, maintained by an in-house systems administrator, for intensive data reduction and remote telescope control. Labs, Teams & Facilities: The Minnesota Infrared Lab serves as the primary research unit. Extensive access is provided to the Spitzer and SOFIA archives, the Large Binocular Telescope , Gemini Observatory , Steward Observatory facilities, and future James Webb Space Telescope programs. Woodward is also a member of the exoplanet-imaging LEECH collaboration using the LBT Interferometer .

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Harry Y. McSweenView profile

Professor

University of TennesseeUnited States

Harry Y. McSween is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with 36 years of service. He has held significant leadership roles including twice serving as Department Head and twice as Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. His professional affiliations include President-Elect of the Geological Society of America, former President of the Meteoritical Society, and advisory positions for NASA and the National Research Council. His educational background includes: B.S. Chemistry from The Citadel M.S. Geology from University of Georgia Ph.D. Geology from Harvard University Professor McSween's research focuses on planetary materials and processes , specializing in meteorite analysis (chondrites, Martian meteorites, HED groups), asteroid thermal evolution modeling, and spacecraft data interpretation. His NASA-funded investigations examine solar system formation through: Petrogenesis of extraterrestrial rocks Remote sensing mineralogy Impact cratering dynamics Planetary differentiation processes His publication record shows strong emphasis on Martian geology and Vesta asteroid studies , with recent work dominated by Dawn mission findings. Articles frequently integrate laboratory meteorite analyses with orbital spectroscopy, revealing asteroid differentiation histories and impact processes. Significant scientific awards include: Leonard Medal (Meteoritical Society) J. Lawrence Smith Medal (National Academy of Sciences) Whipple Award (American Geophysical Union) Fellow of American Academy of Arts and Sciences SEC Professor of the Year (2013) Asteroid 5223 McSween namesake He has supervised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in meteoritics and planetary geochemistry projects. His research has been continuously funded by NASA for over three decades, supporting analytical work and mission participation. While no dedicated lab is mentioned, he leads research groups focused on planetary materials analysis.

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Thomas Hylland EriksenView profile

Professor

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic DiversityGermany

Thomas Hylland Eriksen is a professor of social anthropology at the University of Oslo, Department of Social Anthropology. He serves as research director for CULCOM (Cultural complexity in the new Norway) and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Mauritius and Trinidad. His academic career spans several decades of research on identity politics, ethnicity, nationalism, and globalization. Eriksen's research focuses on cultural complexity in contemporary societies, with his most influential contribution being the development of the 'overheating' theoretical framework. This approach examines accelerated global changes across three interrelated dimensions: environmental, economic, and identity politics. His recent publications explore the Anthropocene, cultural diversity loss, climate change responses, and digital transformation. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with pressing global issues, moving from early work on ethnic relations in the Caribbean to contemporary analyses of planetary-scale transformations. Key themes across his publications include the tension between global standardization and cultural diversity, the challenges of rapid social change, and the need for local responses to global crises. Eriksen's scientific contributions include numerous books and articles that have shaped anthropological discourse on globalization. His works such as 'Overheating,' 'Boomtown,' and 'What is Anthropology?' have been particularly influential in establishing anthropology's relevance to contemporary global challenges. As an academic leader, Eriksen has directed significant research projects, mentored students, and contributed to public discourse through accessible writing that bridges academic and public spheres. His work consistently challenges simplistic narratives about globalization while offering nuanced anthropological perspectives on complex social phenomena.

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Matthew DaveyView profile

Associate Professor

University of the Highlands and IslandsUnited Kingdom

Dr. Matthew Davey is an Associate Professor of Physiological Ecology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), which is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). He serves as Programme Leader for the MSc Algal Biotechnology and Bioeconomy program and is a Science Advisor for the UKRI NERC CCAP facility at SAMS. Previously, he co-established and managed the Algal Innovation Centre at the University of Cambridge and was a Senior Research Associate there from 2013-2020. Dr. Davey earned his PhD in Plant Ecophysiology and Biochemistry from Durham University in 2004, following a BSc in Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor. His academic journey includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge and University of Sheffield, focusing on algal bioenergy and environmental metabolomics respectively. Dr. Davey specializes in algal physiology, innovation and ecology, with research interests centered on the diversity and plasticity of metabolic traits, especially in extreme habitats. His work spans environmental metabolomics and physiology, discovering traits associated with cold tolerance and the role of metabolic plasticity in responding to environmental and climate change. He also explores algal biotechnology and innovation, investigating novel sources of sustainable biomaterials, nutrients, high-value products, feedstocks and bioenergy for the bioeconomy and space sector. His research extends from the ecology of snow algae in Antarctica to applications in bioenergy, bioremediation, pigments and food production across all continents, including using algae to support astronauts on long-term space missions. Dr. Davey's publication record shows a strong focus on Antarctic snow algae research, with several high-impact papers in Nature Communications and other top journals. His work combines field studies in extreme environments with laboratory analyses and remote sensing techniques to understand algal physiology and ecology. Recent publications demonstrate expanding applications of his research to space exploration, carbon sink quantification, and biotechnology applications. Shortlisted for the University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor's Impact Awards and Public Engagement with Research TWO Blue Peter badges (1980s) Dr. Davey leads a research team of 10-12 people annually at SAMS, supervising PhD students, MSc students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and interns. His research is supported by diverse funding sources including NERC Standard Grants, EIT Food projects, UKRI CCAP-SAMS, and various industry partnerships. He has led four large Antarctic research field seasons, including the first large terrestrial/coastal biology expedition supported by the UKRI BAS Sir David Attenborough ship. Dr. Davey leads the EU EIT-Food international algae biotechnology training courses across Europe and coordinates the Algal Research, Innovation and Environmental Science Centre (ARIES) at CCAP-SAMS. His team at SAMS includes researchers like Dr. Alex Thomson, Dr. Francisca Vermeulen, Naomi Thomas, and Vaila Grigg, focusing on polar algae research and applications.

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Niels F.W. LigterinkView profile

Assistant Professor

Delft University of TechnologyNetherlands

Dr. Niels F.W. Ligterink is an Assistant Professor in Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology, specializing in planetary exploration. His research examines astrochemistry in extraterrestrial environments, particularly molecular behavior in ices and cometary matter. Education: Doctorate in Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory (2017) Master's in Chemistry (Molecular Photonics), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Bachelor's in Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Research Focus: His work integrates laboratory astrochemistry and observational astronomy to study: volatile trapping in protoplanetary disks, ice surface diffusion, abiotic molecule formation in comets, and chemistry in low-luminosity stellar objects. Key methodologies include electron irradiation experiments and spectral analysis of cosmic ices. Awards: International Astronomical Union PhD Prize (2018) Grants & Projects: Co-investigator for the NWO-funded 'Life on Icy Moons' initiative and PRELIFE consortium studying life's origins. His research receives frequent media coverage in outlets like TU Delft News and astrophysics blogs.

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Natasha BarrettView profile

Researcher

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Natasha Barrett serves as a Guest Researcher in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in geological research within the Geology section. Her work bridges terrestrial and planetary sciences through advanced analytical techniques and field-based investigations. Her research focuses on petrology and geochemistry of mantle-derived rocks, with significant contributions to understanding ultra-depleted mantle peridotites, boninitic melt relationships, and ophiolite complexes. She extends this expertise to planetary geology , particularly lunar science, where she investigates polar geology for Artemis mission planning, Shackleton crater formation, and resource accessibility at the lunar south pole. Methodologically, she employs LA-ICP-MS for trace element analysis and SIMS for isotope studies, establishing robust analytical frameworks for mantle and crustal materials. Analysis of her publication record (2017-2023) reveals a strategic progression from terrestrial mantle studies toward lunar applications, with increasing emphasis on mission-critical planetary science. Her work consistently appears in high-impact journals like the Journal of Petrology and Planetary Science Journal, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration of petrological fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and numerical modeling. Collaborations span international institutions including NASA-affiliated researchers and Japanese geological teams, highlighting her role in global scientific networks addressing fundamental questions in Earth and planetary evolution.

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Adam McKayView profile

Assistant Professor

Appalachian State UniversityUnited States

Dr. Adam McKay serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University, contributing to both undergraduate/graduate education and planetary science research within the university's academic framework. His academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Astronomy from New Mexico State University B.A. in Astrophysics and Mathematics from Williams College Research expertise centers on Comets, Planet Formation, and Planetary Science. His comet investigations probe primordial solar system materials and delivery mechanisms for Earth's volatiles. Planet formation studies examine protoplanetary disk evolution and accretion physics, while planetary science research analyzes physical characteristics of solar system bodies and exoplanetary systems. These interconnected domains address fundamental questions about cosmic origins and planetary system architecture. Prospective researchers should contact Dr. McKay directly at (828) 262-7119 or Garwood Hall 319. Although no dedicated laboratory is specified, departmental resources support observational and computational work in planetary sciences. Students can expect involvement in data analysis, theoretical modeling, and potential observational campaigns aligned with his research specialties.

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Linru FangView profile

Research Fellow

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Linru Fang is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Star and Planet Formation within the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in planetary formation processes and geochemical analysis of extraterrestrial materials. The research center focuses on interdisciplinary investigations of star and planet formation mechanisms through cosmochemical and astrophysical approaches. Research interests center on volatile element depletion in planetary bodies, with specific expertise in lunar interior geochemistry and carbonaceous meteorite analysis. Dr. Fang employs advanced mass spectrometry and computational modeling to investigate how impact events and thermal processes shaped the chemical evolution of the Moon and early solar system bodies. Key methodologies include isotopic ratio analysis and experimental simulation of high-temperature sublimation processes. Recent publications reveal consistent patterns in volatile depletion mechanisms across different planetary materials, demonstrating how impact-induced sublimation drives compositional changes in both lunar interiors and carbonaceous meteorites. This work establishes critical links between impact dynamics and chemical fractionation during planetary accretion. The Centre for Star and Planet Formation maintains active collaborations with international space agencies and meteorite research facilities, providing Dr. Fang access to cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and rare extraterrestrial samples for ongoing investigations into solar system formation.

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