Nicholas C. Schmerr

Nicholas C. Schmerr is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds affiliations with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory and the Carnegie Institution for Science’s Department of Terrestrial Magnetism. His research focuses on planetary seismology, geodynamics, and the evolution of terrestrial bodies, with a particular emphasis on Mars, the Moon, and icy ocean worlds. Schmerr leads the GEODES SSERVI NASA project, which integrates seismology for planetary exploration. He earned his Ph.D. in Geology from Arizona State University in 2008.

Research Interests: Schmerr’s work spans planetary seismology, mantle dynamics, and cryospheric processes. Key projects include analyzing data from the InSight Mars mission, studying lunar seismicity, and investigating subsurface structures on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus. His lab develops advanced seismological tools and collaborates with institutions such as the USGS, Smithsonian, and JPL.

Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including breakthroughs in Martian core detection, lunar crustal thickness, and subglacial lake characterization. Recent work focuses on tidal seismicity on icy worlds and mantle transition zone anisotropy.

Grants & Awards: Not explicitly listed, but his leadership of NASA-funded projects indicates significant grant support. His research is featured in venues like Nature Geoscience and Science.

Labs & Teams: Directs the UMD Planetary Geophysics Lab and collaborates internationally to advance planetary exploration technologies. Current projects include the Lunar Geophysical Network and Arctic analog studies for icy ocean seismology.