معرفی
Associate Professor Frank Mills is a prominent researcher at the Australian National University's Fenner School of Environment & Society. Previously holding a joint appointment with the Research School of Physics and Engineering for a decade, he transitioned to a full position in Fenner in 2015. His work spans multiple institutes including the Planetary Science Institute, Climate Change Institute, and Energy Change Institute. He maintains international collaborations as a Supporting Investigator for ESA's Venus Express mission, Guest Investigator for JAXA's Akatsuki mission, and member of the International Commission of Planetary Environments and their Evolution (ICPAE).
Dr. Mills earned his PhD in Planetary Science and MS in Physics from the California Institute of Technology, and his BSE with Honors in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both physics and environmental systems, enabling his interdisciplinary approach to planetary and Earth sciences.
Mills' research primarily focuses on the transmission of radiation through planetary atmospheres and its impact on atmospheric chemistry. His work spans three key areas: middle atmospheric chemistry on Venus and Earth, analysis of data and simulations for Australian climate, and solar energy forecasting. He has made significant contributions to understanding Venus's atmosphere through analysis of Venus Express mission data, studied atmospheric chemistry on ancient Mars, and developed methods for characterizing exoplanetary atmospheres. His research integrates observations from space missions with sophisticated modeling approaches.
His publication record shows consistent output across planetary science, atmospheric chemistry, and climate research, with notable recent contributions in 2023-2025. These works demonstrate his expertise in analyzing planetary atmospheres across our solar system and beyond, with particular emphasis on chemical processes, radiation transfer, and atmospheric dynamics.
- h-index of 24 according to Scopus metrics
- Active participant in multiple international space missions
- Member of the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
- Regular contributor to high-impact journals in planetary science and atmospheric chemistry
Professor Mills has extensive teaching experience, convening and lecturing in Thermal and Statistical Physics, Climatology, and Climate Change Science and Policy. He previously convened the Honours program in the Fenner School from late-2012 until mid-2018 and served in various leadership roles including Acting Associate Director (Education) and Deputy Director for Education (2015-2017). His supervision spans Astrophysics, Earth Science, Engineering, Environment, and Physics programs, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. He has secured multiple research grants, including projects on solar energy forecasting and planetary atmosphere modeling.
His international collaborations include a grant-funded position with the Space Science Institute in the USA and a visiting researcher position at the University of Texas Austin in 2020. These connections enhance his research capabilities and provide valuable opportunities for student exchange and collaborative projects.
