Cyril Grima

Cyril Grima is a Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for Geophysics within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His work focuses on planetary geophysics, with expertise in radar remote sensing techniques applied to Mars, Europa, and Titan. He contributes to major missions like the Europa Clipper and utilizes radar data to study ice sheets, surface roughness, and subsurface structures.

His research interests span planetary radar instrumentation, glaciology, and ionospheric physics. Key areas include subsurface ice detection on Mars and Europa, radar signal processing for planetary missions, and the analysis of subglacial water systems in polar regions. Grima’s studies leverage machine learning and statistical methods to improve data interpretation from ice-penetrating radar systems.

Recent work highlights include advancing Europa’s subsurface composition understanding through the REASON radar instrument, analyzing Martian surface heterogeneity with decametric-scale radar statistics, and developing ice thickness estimation algorithms using deep learning frameworks. His contributions are critical for future planetary exploration missions and climate change studies in polar environments.

Laboratory affiliations include the Institute for Geophysics, where he collaborates on mission planning and instrument development. His research has led to breakthroughs in detecting subglacial lakes and improving radar imaging techniques for icy planetary bodies.