Christopher Bennett

Dr. Christopher Bennett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), within the College of Sciences. He leads the UCF Astrochemistry Laboratory, focusing on experimental and theoretical studies of molecular processes in space and planetary environments. His research integrates astrochemistry, planetary science, and analytical chemistry to understand the origins of life and extraterrestrial chemistry.

Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (2009). Postdoctoral roles at NASA Astrobiology Institute (2009-2012) and Georgia Tech (2012-2016). Joined UCF in 2016 as Assistant Professor, promoted to Associate Professor thereafter.

Research interests span astrochemistry, planetary science, and instrumentation development. Key areas include:

• Development of novel spectroscopic techniques (e.g., photothermal spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy).
• Study of interstellar ice chemistry, radiation effects on planetary surfaces, and prebiotic molecule formation.
• Space weathering processes on airless bodies (e.g., asteroids, Mercury, the Moon).
• Instrumentation for planetary missions (e.g., Europa Lander, Uranus Orbiter).

Scientific awards include Fellowships from the American Chemical Society, American Geophysical Union, Meteoritic Society, and Planetary Society, alongside a Gordon Research Conference Travel Award (2010).

Grants and collaborations: Principal investigator or co-investigator on multi-million-dollar projects, including NASA’s Solar System Exploration Virtual Institutes (CLASS and REVEALS), the Center for Chemical Evolution (Georgia Tech), and mission proposals for the Europa Lander and Uranus Orbiter. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles on astrochemistry and planetary science.

Labs/Teams: Director of the UCF Astrochemistry Laboratory, which explores planetary material analysis, instrument development, and astrobiological questions. Current recruitment focuses on postdoctoral research in novel spectroscopic instrumentation (NASA PICASSO-funded).