William B. McKinnon

William B. McKinnon is Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and Clark Way Harrison Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. He conducts research through the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences and leads the Outer Solar System Research Group.

His research examines planetary formation and evolution in the outer solar system, with emphasis on:

• Impact cratering mechanics on icy bodies
• Geophysical processes of icy satellites
• Subsurface ocean dynamics
• Kuiper Belt object formation
• Tectonics of cryovolcanic worlds

Professor McKinnon serves as co-investigator on major NASA missions including Europa Clipper (REASON radar, MASPEX mass spectrometer, Gravity/Radio Science teams) and New Horizons (Deputy Lead for Geology & Geophysics). His research combines theoretical modeling with spacecraft data analysis to understand planetary accretion and geological activity on icy worlds.