Jonathon Hill

Jonathon Hill is a Researcher at Arizona State University (ASU) within the School Of Earth and Space Exploration. He serves as a mission planner at ASU's Mars Space Flight Facility, operating the THEMIS camera on NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft and leading mission planning for the Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's moon Europa. His expertise spans planetary sciences, aerospace engineering, and geological analysis, with a focus on Mars and icy moons.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geological Sciences, Arizona State University (2010–2022)
• M.S. Geological Sciences, Arizona State University (2010–2016)
• M.S. Aerospace Engineering, Arizona State University (2005–2009)
• B.S.E. Aerospace Engineering & B.A. Russian, Arizona State University (2000–2005)
• Russian Language Certificate, St. Petersburg State University (2005)

Research Interests: His work includes automated analysis of Martian salt deposits, operational planning for deep-space missions, and planetary instrumentation. He has contributed to NASA missions like OSIRIS-REx and is a key figure in the Europa Clipper project. His interdisciplinary background bridges engineering and geology, with a unique focus on Mars' southern highlands and Europa's icy surface.

Awards & Honors:

• Three NASA Group Achievement Awards (2008, 2014, 2015) for mission operations
• Eagle Scout Rank (1999)

Projects & Outreach: He led the creation of a walkable Mars mosaic (walkonmars.space), blending science communication with planetary exploration. His technical contributions include operating instruments on Spirit/Opportunity rovers and the OSIRIS-REx mission to Bennu.