Mindi Searls

Mindi Searls is a Research Assistant Professor at the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work bridges planetary geology and geoscience education, with a focus on Martian surface processes and field instruction methodologies.

• Academic Rank: Research Assistant Professor
• Contact: BESY 216, Lincoln, NE 68588-0340 | msearls2@unl.edu

Research Interests
Dr. Searls investigates Martian geology through lenses of ground ice dynamics, glacial flow modeling, and tectonic processes. Her work includes analyzing seasonal CO₂ frost patterns, polygonal ground formations, and buried water ice stability, alongside developing inquiry-based geoscience field instruction frameworks.

Publications
Her 15 most recent publications (2009–2024) reveal consistent focus on Martian ground ice detection, glacial mechanics, and geoscience pedagogy. Key themes include computational modeling of ice flow, remote sensing of polar features, and educational advancements in planetary field instruction.