Reto Trappitsch

Reto Trappitsch is a Lecturer and Scientific Collaborator at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) and the Laboratory of Biological Geochemistry (LGB). His research focuses on astrochemistry, cosmochemistry, and nuclear astrophysics, particularly the analysis of presolar grains and isotopic compositions to understand stellar nucleosynthesis and solar system formation. He teaches courses in interdisciplinary prototyping, innovation, and general physics.

His work bridges geochemistry and astrophysics, leveraging advanced analytical techniques like resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) to study presolar silicon carbide (SiC) grains and their origins in stars. Recent studies include cosmogenic nuclide analysis of micrometeorites, constraints on interstellar dust lifetimes, and the development of databases for presolar grains. His contributions also extend to methodological advancements in isotopic analysis and error quantification in geochemical data.

Trappitsch collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, such as the NuGrid stellar data set, and actively contributes to nuclear astrophysics through experimental and theoretical studies. His teaching emphasizes hands-on innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration in the SKIL laboratory, fostering student engagement in practical projects.