معرفی
Seth Jacobson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. His research focuses on planetary formation and evolution, combining celestial mechanics, geophysics, and geochemistry to study Solar System objects and exoplanets. He leads the Planetary Makerspace, a collaborative group simulating planetary systems computationally. Jacobson earned his undergraduate degree in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University (2008), followed by a master’s and PhD in Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder (2010 and 2012). Before joining MSU in 2019, he held postdoctoral positions at France’s Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur and Germany’s Bayerisches Geoinsitut, focusing on terrestrial planet formation models. His teaching includes courses like Dynamic Earth and Planet Formation and Evolution.
Education:
- B.S., Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University (2008)
- M.S., Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder (2010)
- Ph.D., Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder (2012)
Research Interests: Jacobson explores planetesimal formation via gravitational collapse, orbital dynamics of binary asteroids, and the geochemical evolution of terrestrial planets. His work integrates laboratory data (e.g., meteorite analyses) with spacecraft observations (e.g., NASA’s DART mission) to model planetary accretion and collisional processes. Recent studies include modeling Dimorphos’ ejecta post-DART impact and refining core formation theories using tungsten isotopes.
Group & Opportunities: The Planetary Makerspace at MSU offers undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training in planetary science. Jacobson maintains curated lists of planetary science internships and fellowships, emphasizing hands-on research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
