M. Darby Dyar

M. Darby Dyar is a Professor in the Astronomy Department at Mount Holyoke College and a member of the Five College Graduate Faculty. A mineralogist and spectroscopist, her research focuses on the evolution of the solar system through studies of iron redox states and hydrogen abundance in extraterrestrial materials using advanced spectroscopic techniques.

• PhD in Geochemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• BA in Geology & Art History from Wellesley College

Her work bridges planetary science and mineralogical analysis, contributing to understanding the chemical composition of solar system materials. Dr. Dyar employs Mossbauer spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, emissivity, and reflectance spectroscopy in her research.

Contact: mdyar@mtholyoke.edu | Phone: (413) 538-3073