معرفی
Karen Ziegler is an Associate Research Professor and Senior Research Scientist III at the University of New Mexico's Institute of Meteoritics within the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Her primary affiliations include the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) and the Institute of Meteoritics (Inst. of Meteoritics). She holds a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Postgraduate Research Institute for Sedimentology (PRIS), University of Reading, UK (1993).
Her research focuses on stable isotope planetary- and cosmochemistry applied to meteoritics, early Solar System evolution, planetary accretion and differentiation, and Earth's core formation. Key interests include O and Si stable isotopes, novel isotope systems, and analytical techniques to understand elemental distribution in planets. She investigates processes like bioleaching of pyrite, meteorite classification (e.g., angrites, ureilites, achondrites), and cosmic ray exposure histories.
Ziegler has contributed extensively to studies of Martian and lunar meteorites, asteroid differentiation, and the geochemical signatures of impact processes. Her work bridges cosmochemistry, petrology, and planetary evolution, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications since 2020 alone. Notable projects include characterization of unique meteorite finds like Fezzou 002 and Hassi el Madani 002, as well as studies of trans-Neptunian object origins in inner Solar System materials.
Her lab facilities at UNM enable advanced microanalytical techniques for isotope analysis. Future work includes exploring Martian volatile element evolution and the geochemical genealogy of iron meteorites. Despite no listed awards here, her prolific publication record underscores her influence in astrogeochemistry.
