Sara Seager

Sara Seager is the Class of 1941 Professor of Planetary Science, Professor of Physics, and Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a pioneer in the field of exoplanets, known for her groundbreaking research on exoplanet atmospheres and the search for signs of life. She has held leadership roles in several major space missions including serving as Deputy Science Director for NASA's TESS mission, Principal Investigator for the ASTERIA CubeSat, and leading the Starshade Rendezvous Mission concept.

Her educational background includes:

• BSc in Math and Physics Specialist Program from the University of Toronto
• PhD in Astronomy from Harvard University

Professor Seager's research focuses on theoretical models of exoplanet atmospheres and interiors, with the ultimate goal of finding and identifying another Earth. Her work has introduced many foundational concepts to the field, including the first description of exoplanet transmission spectra that led to the first detection of an exoplanet atmosphere. She is known for her maxim: 'For exoplanets, anything is possible under the laws of physics and chemistry.' Her research spans hot Jupiters, super-Earths, habitable zone planets, and the search for biosignature gases in exoplanet atmospheres.

Analysis of Professor Seager's publications reveals a clear evolution in her research focus. Early work established foundational theories for exoplanet atmospheres, particularly for hot Jupiters. This was followed by pioneering work on super-Earth characterization and atmospheric retrieval techniques. More recent publications focus on habitability, biosignatures, and innovative methods for constraining exoplanet properties. Her work consistently bridges theoretical modeling with observational constraints, contributing to multiple subfields including atmospheric chemistry, planetary interiors, and mission concepts for future space telescopes.

Professor Seager has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to astronomy and planetary science:

• 2024 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics
• 2013 MacArthur Fellowship
• 2021 Magellanic Premium Medal
• 2021 Royal Canadian Geographical Society Gold Medal
• 2020 Officer of the Order of Canada
• 2015 National Academy of Sciences Member
• 2012 Raymond and Beverly Sackler Prize in the Physical Sciences

As an advisor, Professor Seager has mentored numerous students who have gone on to make significant contributions in the field, including Eliza Miller-Ricci, N. Madhusudhan, Bjoern Benneke, Julien de Wit, and Renyu Hu. Her research has been supported by multiple NASA missions including TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite), ASTERIA (a CubeSat mission), and development work on the Starshade Rendezvous Mission concept. She has also directed mission concept studies for Venus exploration, including the Venus Morning Star Missions.

Professor Seager leads research groups focused on exoplanet characterization at MIT, with connections to NASA missions and international collaborations. She has been instrumental in organizing major scientific meetings, including 'The Next 40 Years of Exoplanets' which brought together leading scientists to discuss the future direction of the field. Her work spans theoretical modeling, data analysis, and mission concept development, making her one of the most influential figures in modern exoplanet research.