Xinting Yu

Xinting Yu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. She leads the Planetary Material CHaractErization Facility (PMCHEF), a state-of-the-art laboratory funded by the NASA Planetary Science Early Career Award, focused on experimental and theoretical studies of planetary and exoplanetary materials.

• Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University (2014–2019)
• B.S. in Space Physics with honors, University of Science and Technology of China (2010–2014)
• 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Santa Cruz (2019–2022)

Her research spans planetary material characterization, exoplanet atmospheres, sediment transport, and cloud-haze interactions. She integrates laboratory experiments with theoretical modeling to understand surface and atmospheric processes on Titan, Pluto, Triton, and exoplanets. Her work aims to develop a standardized planetary material characterization framework and public databases to support future missions and JWST observations.

Her recent studies focus on using atmospheric chemistry to indirectly detect solid/liquid surfaces on exoplanets, particularly sub-Neptunes. By analyzing species like NH₃, CH₄, HCN, and CO₂, she has developed a method to infer surface presence from atmospheric data alone. She also investigates the cohesive, mechanical, and electrostatic properties of organic sands and haze particles on Titan, revealing their implications for dune formation, climate models, and probe safety.

Her publication trends reflect a strong focus on experimental planetary science, with key contributions in Titan haze analogs, exoplanet haziness, sediment transport, and surface-atmosphere feedback. Her work bridges laboratory measurements with observational and theoretical astrophysics, enabling deeper interpretation of exoplanet spectra and solar system data.

Scientific Awards:

• NASA Planetary Science Early Career Award (2023–2028)
• Stephen E. Dwornik Award, Best Graduate Oral Presentation, LPSC (2018)
• UCSC Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award (2022)
• 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019–2022)
• Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards (mentored two students)
• JHU Technology and Teaching Fellowships

She actively mentors Ph.D. students and postdocs at UTSA and previously at UC Santa Cruz. Her lab, PMCHEF, supports a wide range of characterization techniques. She has secured major grants, including NASA funding, and has developed two public databases: one on Titan material properties and another on exoplanet haziness. Her future work aims to expand these frameworks to Venus, giant planets, and diverse exoplanets in preparation for JWST and future missions.

She leads a vibrant research group working on experimental material science, theoretical modeling, and data analysis. Her team develops instruments, conducts lab experiments, and builds open-access tools for the planetary science community.