Amy E. Hofmann

Amy E. Hofmann is a Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Visiting Associate at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She holds a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Caltech (2010), and has held roles including Manager of the Ocean Worlds Laboratory (2016–2018) and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Franklin & Marshall College (2013–2016). Her research focuses on planetary materials and processes, using isotope geochemistry, experimental petrology, and advanced instrumentation to address questions about life's origins and planetary habitability.

Her work spans Mars geochemistry (via MSL mission), Venus atmosphere studies (DAVINCI), and asteroid sampling (OSIRIS-REx). Key projects include analyzing carbon isotopes in Gale Crater, studying Io's sulfur cycles, and developing in-situ analytical tools for planetary exploration.

Notable awards include multiple JPL Voyager Awards (2018–2022), Scialog Fellowships (2022–2023), and the Conrad Weiser High School Distinguished Alumni Award (2019). She contributes to NASA missions like Europa Lander and advocates for STEM education equity.