Alex Meshik

Alex Meshik is a Research Professor of Physics at Washington University, affiliated with the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences and the Department of Physics. He has been involved in the Laboratory for Space Sciences since 1996 and joined the faculty as a Research Professor in 2006. His work focuses on astrophysics, cosmochemistry, and planetary science, with a particular emphasis on noble gas isotopes in extraterrestrial materials.

• PhD from the Vernadsky Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
• Key roles in NASA's Genesis Mission, analyzing solar wind noble gases
• Leading studies on meteoritic nano-diamonds, xenon isotopic anomalies, and lunar gas composition

Meshik’s research explores the origins of solar system materials, including studies of asteroid Ryugu samples from the Hayabusa2 mission, Apollo lunar samples, and terrestrial xenon isotopes. His techniques include laser extraction, pyrolysis, and advanced mass spectrometry. Recent work addresses volatile sources in asteroids, lunar gas retention mechanisms, and the application of isotopes to chronology and planetary formation.

He collaborates on initiatives like the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) to prepare for Artemis-era lunar exploration. His lab focuses on microsample analysis, atmospheric sampling, and instrument design for space missions.