Hanna Nekvasil

Hanna Nekvasil is a Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Stony Brook University. Her research focuses on planetary crust evolution, with particular emphasis on magmas and their associated fluids/gases. She has held faculty positions since 1988 and has conducted extensive experimental studies on lunar, Martian, and terrestrial geological processes.

Education:

• B.A., Cornell University, 1979
• Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1986
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Arizona State University, 1985–86

Research Focus:

• Lunar Studies: Investigating lunar magmas' water content via apatite analysis and exploring anorthitic plagioclase's role in lunar magma ocean differentiation.
• Martian Studies: Simulating Martian magma crystallization and analyzing volcanic gas contributions to surface minerals using infrared spectroscopy.
• Terrestrial Studies: Reassessing mid-ocean ridge and subduction zone processes through anorthitic plagioclase behavior.

Key Collaborations: Works with SSERVI for lunar simulant development and spectroscopy groups for Martian surface analysis.

Grants & Labs: Engaged in experimental geochemistry labs, including the David E. King Field Work Award program. Research involves simulating magmatic and hydrothermal processes.