Eva L. Scheller is an Assistant Professor at Stanford University's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. She leads the Planetary Chemistry and Spectroscopy group, focusing on spacecraft instrumentation development and analysis of planetary surfaces to understand volatile cycles and habitability. PhD (2022), MS (2020) in Geological and Planetary Sciences from Caltech BSc (2017) in Geosciences from University of Copenhagen Her research integrates laboratory spectroscopy, spacecraft data analysis, and computational modeling to study planetary geochemistry, particularly Mars. Key projects include SHERLOC instrument development, Jezero Crater aqueous alteration studies, and AI-driven spectral dataset analysis. Recent publications highlight her work on Martian water sequestration, sulfate alteration processes, and organic-mineral associations. She is actively recruiting for her new Stanford lab. Heising-Simons 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellowship
Tim Lichtenberg is an Assistant Professor of Planetary Physics at the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen. He specializes in exoplanet formation, planetary atmospheres, and magma ocean dynamics. His research focuses on understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of rocky exoplanets, particularly through missions like the Large Interferometer for Exoplanets (LIFE), which he co-leads. He is also involved in projects like Rocky Worlds Discussions and studies short-lived radionuclides' roles in planet formation. His expertise spans geochemistry, astrophysics, and geophysics, with a focus on habitability, atmospheric characterization, and the origin of life. Recent work includes analyzing magma ocean signatures on exoplanets and developing models for detecting protoplanets in nearby star-forming regions. He actively collaborates on observational and theoretical studies using space-based telescopes like JWST and ground-based instruments. Lichtenberg's research outputs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, bridging planetary science, astrophysics, and astrobiology. He advocates for advancing mission concepts (e.g., LIFE) to probe exoplanet surfaces and atmospheres, aiming to identify life-supporting conditions beyond Earth.
Marion Nachon is an Associate Research Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University. She specializes in Planetary Geosciences, focusing on Mars rover missions (Curiosity and Perseverance) and space-analog robotic fieldwork. Her research integrates remote sensing, geochemical analysis, and mission operations to study Martian geology, aqueous environments, and potential biosignatures. Education: Ph.D. (2016) in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Université de Nantes, France; M.Sc. (2012) from Université Paris Sud; B.Sc. (2010) from Université Nice Sophia Antipolis. Postdoctoral roles at Texas A&M University (2018–current) and University of California Davis (2016–2018). Her work emphasizes collaboration with NASA missions, including roles as a Participating Scientist for the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission and Science Collaborator for the MSL ChemCam and Mastcam teams. Key research interests include sedimentary processes, diagenetic sulfates, and aeolian systems in Martian contexts. Recent projects include leading the LASSIE legged rover initiative and PI roles on grants such as the Texas A&M Seed Grant on geobiological data analysis and NASA-funded studies on XRF biosignature screening. Her fieldwork spans Iceland, White Sands, and Mount Hood, simulating Mars exploration techniques. Publications focus on Martian mineralogy, rover data analysis, and Earth-Mars analog studies. She has advised students in geology and technology integration, and her grants span interdisciplinary collaborations in statistics, psychology, and cognitive sciences.
Dr. Rayssa Martins is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge, funded by a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship. Her research focuses on cosmochemistry, planetary formation, and the distribution of volatile elements in terrestrial planets. She employs high-precision isotope analysis and geochemical modeling to investigate the delivery of volatile-rich materials during the early Solar System. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London, where she studied volatile depletion and the origins of Earth and Martian volatiles using isotopes like Zn, Cd, and Te. Key research interests include planetary volatile origins, meteorite analysis, and isotopic tracing of Earth’s volatile inventory. Her current projects explore Earth’s volatile acquisition timing and planetary accretion processes. She is affiliated with the Bullard Laboratories at the University of Cambridge. Notable achievements include the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship, supporting her work on planetary evolution. Her research bridges geochemistry and cosmochemistry, with publications spanning meteorite isotopic analysis, volatile element distribution, and early Solar System processes.
Sarah Lambart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Utah, where she leads the MagMaX Lab. Her research focuses on igneous processes, mantle heterogeneity, and magma genesis using experimental and analytical techniques. Education: PhD in Petrology, Blaise Pascal University, France (2010) MS in Earth Sciences, Blaise Pascal University (2006) BS in Earth Sciences, Blaise Pascal University, France (2004) Research Interests: Sarah Lambart's research explores the composition and dynamics of Earth's mantle, particularly how heterogeneities influence basalt genesis. Her work integrates high-pressure experiments, geochemical modeling (e.g., Melt-PX), and isotopic analyses to understand magma formation and transport. She investigates pyroxenite melting, melt-rock interactions, and the geochemical signatures of recycled materials in the mantle. Her recent projects involve IODP Expeditions 396 and 402, focusing on magmatism during continental breakup and its climate implications. Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2021–2025) span planetary science (Mercury's mantle), deep Earth processes (mantle heterogeneity), and paleoclimate (PETM). They emphasize isotope geochemistry (B, Fe, U-series), experimental petrology, and numerical modeling. Key themes include recycled volatiles in the mantle, crustal anatexis during rifting, and melt transport dynamics. Scientific Awards and Funding: NSF MRI Grant (co-PI) NSF MG&G Grant NSF EAR Grant Geology and Geophysics Faculty Research Award (2024) University of Utah Graduate Research Fellowship (mentor) Multiple student fellowships and travel grants (WAGS, MSA, GSA, Chapman) Advising and Grants: She mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have received prestigious awards. She has secured significant external funding, including from NSF and internal university programs, supporting lab development (e.g., Neoma MC-ICP-MS) and student research. She actively promotes student participation in conferences and field expeditions. Labs and Collaborations: She directs the MagMaX Lab at the University of Utah, which collaborates internationally with institutions such as Cardiff University, VU Amsterdam, CRPG (France), and UNIL (Switzerland). She is involved in major projects like IODP Expeditions and serves as a handling editor for Advances in Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry .
Jason H. Steffen is an Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he leads a research group focused on exoplanetary science and astrophysics. His work spans multiple domains, including planetary formation and properties, gravitation, particle astrophysics, dark matter, dark energy, and airplane boarding optimization. Research Areas Exoplanet formation and system architecture Planetary interior structure modeling Impact of stellar chemical abundances on planet composition Collisional dynamics in planetary systems Transit timing and radial velocity analysis Airplane boarding process optimization Recent publications highlight his expertise in computational methods through tools like REBOUND and MAGRATHEA for simulating planetary dynamics and interior structures. His work addresses both fundamental astrophysical questions and practical applications in transportation efficiency.
Dr. Leo Kriegsman is an Associate Professor in the Petrology department at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. His extensive research focuses on petrology, metamorphic processes, and crustal evolution, with particular emphasis on ultrahigh-temperature granulites in the Highland Complex of Sri Lanka. He also contributes to planetary science research, including lunar and meteorite studies. His research interests span a wide range of geological phenomena, including crustal evolution, metamorphic processes at extreme temperatures, magma dynamics, and planetary geology. Kriegsman's work on the Highland Complex of Sri Lanka has provided significant insights into the lower continental crust and the Pan-African event. His research methodology often combines detailed petrological observations with phase equilibria modeling and thermobarometric analysis. Analysis of Kriegsman's publication record reveals a strong focus on high-temperature metamorphic processes, particularly ultrahigh-temperature granulites, with numerous studies on the Highland Complex of Sri Lanka. His work also extends to lunar petrology, meteorite analysis, and crustal xenoliths from various global locations. The research demonstrates evolving interests from traditional petrology to interdisciplinary studies connecting Earth's crust with planetary science. Kriegsman teaches several advanced courses including Advanced petrology: from microscopic properties to geological processes , Petrological and Geochemical Evolution of the Earth , and Tectonic petrology , contributing significantly to the education of future geoscientists at Utrecht University.
Songqiao Wei serves as Associate Professor in both the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering at Michigan State University, conducting research at the intersection of seismology and computational geophysics with focus on subduction zone dynamics and Earth's deep interior. Education: Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis (2016) M.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis (2012) M.S. in Geophysics, Peking University (2010) B.S. in Geophysics, Peking University (2007) Dr. Wei's research spans Seismology , Geophysics , and Tectonics , with core expertise in subduction zone processes , mantle transition zone structures , and seismic attenuation methodology . He integrates field deployment of seismic instruments with advanced computational analysis to investigate mantle discontinuities, melt/volatiles distribution, and intermediate-depth seismicity, particularly in the Tonga-Lau system and Alaska Peninsula regions. His work bridges observational seismology with geodynamic modeling to unravel complex mantle processes. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant research themes in subduction zone tomography (60% of works), seismic attenuation applications (25%), and machine learning integration (15%), with strong regional focus on Alaska (45%) and Tonga (35%). The publications demonstrate methodological evolution toward transdimensional Bayesian approaches and deep learning techniques for earthquake detection and structural imaging. Scientific Awards: Green Scholar Postdoctoral Fellowship, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (2016-2017) Dr. Wei's research program emphasizes field-based data acquisition through temporary seismic deployments, particularly in subduction zone settings. While specific grant details and student advisement records aren't documented in the provided materials, his active field work and computational research indicate ongoing project funding for instrumentation and data analysis. His dual departmental appointments reflect the interdisciplinary nature of his work combining geophysical observation with advanced computational methods. He maintains active involvement in seismic field campaigns for data collection and leads computational research groups focused on developing novel tomographic and machine learning approaches for seismic data analysis, with particular emphasis on subduction zone environments and deep Earth structure.
Dennis Newell is a Professor and Interim Department Head in the Department of Geosciences at Utah State University. His work bridges multiple disciplines within earth sciences, focusing on the intersection of geochemistry, tectonics, and fluid dynamics. His research group maintains active collaborations with institutions across the United States and internationally, particularly in field sites throughout the Andes and western North America. Dr. Newell earned his PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of New Mexico in 2007, following an MS in Geology from Colorado State University (1997) and a BS in Geology from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (1992). His educational background provided the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach to earth system science. His research interests focus on field-oriented aqueous and stable isotope geochemistry to interrogate the origins and history of geofluids in continents, fluid-flow in faults with connections to the earthquake cycle, and fluid-rock-biosphere interactions. His work addresses fundamental questions in continental tectonics, low-temperature geochemistry, and applied problems in energy and environmental geosciences. A common theme across his research portfolio is the integration of multiple geochemical and isotopic tools along with an interdisciplinary approach to interpret the composition, temperature, and provenance of modern and ancient fluids in the crust. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the connections between deep earth processes and surface expressions, particularly examining fluid flow in tectonically active regions. His work spans diverse settings from the Denali Fault in Alaska to the Peruvian Andes and western North America, with particular focus on how tectonic processes influence fluid circulation, geochemical signatures, and even microbial communities in hot spring systems. His research increasingly incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, including collaborations with hydrologists and computer scientists for advanced modeling of complex earth systems. Dr. Newell has mentored numerous graduate students through completion of their degrees, with recent graduates including Coleman Hiett (2023), Heather Upin (2020), Ashley Provow (2019), Brandt Scott (2019), and Jace Koger (2017), among others. His research has been supported by multiple grants that have enabled extensive field work, laboratory analyses, and student training opportunities. He directs the Stable Isotope Lab at Utah State University, which serves as the central analytical facility for his research group's work on fluid-rock interactions. The lab supports ongoing projects examining volatile cycling in subduction zones, fluid flow in fault systems, and the geochemical signatures of geothermal systems. His team frequently conducts field work in challenging environments, from high-altitude Andean sites to active fault zones in western North America.
Christopher Hamilton is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, affiliated with the Department of Planetary Sciences and Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL). He has been with LPL since 2014 and is actively involved in planetary surface process research. Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Hawaii (2010) Specializes in volcanic processes, planetary geophysics, and astrobiology His research integrates field observations, remote sensing, geophysical modeling, and machine learning to study geological processes on Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Recent work focuses on Mars analog studies in Iceland, lunar volcanic volatiles, and drone-based planetary exploration architectures. Current projects include the RAVEN: Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network (PI) and LIFE: Lava-Induced Fumarolic Environments (PI) under NASA and EU funding. His team employs drones, hyperspectral tools, and geospatial analysis to advance planetary science. Hamilton mentors graduate students in Planetary Sciences and Geosciences, including Maddy Christensen and Nathan Hadland, while collaborating with postdocs like Wesley Tucker. His lab investigates planetary analogs in Iceland and New Mexico, linking terrestrial volcanic systems to extraterrestrial environments.
Pranabendu Moitra is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona , leading the Moitra Lab. His research focuses on planetary volcanism , magma ocean crystallization , and explosive eruption dynamics across Earth, the Moon, and Mars. He employs experimental petrology, textural analysis, and rheometric modeling to study volatile interactions in magmatic systems. Research Themes: Planetary volatile evolution (H2O, COH degassing) Crystal-rich magma dynamics Explosive eruption mechanisms via bubble growth and permeability Comparative volcanism across the Solar System Recent Article Trends: 2023–2025 work emphasizes lunar magma ocean water budgeting, Martian explosive eruptions, and magma-water interaction rheology Methodologies include textural analysis of lunar glass beads, pMELTS modeling of Elysium Province, and capillary breakup experiments Key collaborations span planetary geology and volcanic risk modeling Labs & Teams: Moitra Lab at University of Arizona Collaborative projects on Martian volcanic provinces and submarine eruptions
Dr. Deepak Dhingra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He holds a Ph.D. from Brown University (2014) and specializes in planetary geology. His research leverages remote sensing data to study surface morphology and composition of extraterrestrial bodies, including the Moon, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn's moon Enceladus. Research Focus His work integrates spectral, imaging, and topographic data to address fundamental questions in planetary evolution. Key themes include: Lunar Geology: Mg-spinel distribution, impact crater processes, polar volatiles. Planetary Surface Dynamics: Boulder falls, granular segregation on asteroids. Methodological Innovation: Machine learning applications for mineral mapping and data filtering. Mission Involvement Chandrayaan-1: Scientist at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad. Chandrayaan-2: Science team member for NASA/JPL/Brown University's Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M³). Academic Activities He actively recruits PhD students and postdoctoral researchers for planetary science projects. His interdisciplinary approach bridges geology, data science, and space mission operations. Additional Contributions Beyond research, he engages in science communication through articles, blogs, and outreach initiatives focused on lunar exploration.
Dr Simon Lock is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science, University of Bristol. His research and public engagement focus on pragmatic software engineering, open data, citizen science, and interactive applications for social spaces, with an emphasis on data visualization and IoT platforms. He can be contacted at simon.lock@bristol.ac.uk . Education : Not explicitly mentioned in the text. Simon's research interests span software engineering applications in educational and social contexts, including engineering education best practices, teaching and learning innovations, and the use of technology for public engagement. His publications (via ORCID) include seminal works on planetary collisions, lunar formation, and tidal evolution, indicating interdisciplinary contributions bridging computational methods and planetary science. His recent work explores planetary impacts and their thermodynamic consequences, atmospheric loss in giant collisions, and high-level models for Earth-Moon tidal evolution. Despite his computer science role, his research outputs extend deeply into astrophysics and geophysics, particularly Moon-forming giant impacts and planetary differentiation. Grants : Not explicitly mentioned in the text. Labs/Teams : Affiliated with the Engineering Education Research Group and the UK & IE EER Network.
Hilke Schlichting is an active faculty member at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), serving as the Associate Dean for Research in the Department of Geology. Her work focuses on planetary science and astrophysics, particularly the atmospheric and interior dynamics of exoplanets like sub-Neptunes and super-Earths.
Jesse Gu is a Research Fellow at Harvard University, affiliated with the Fischer Group. His research spans Geology, Geophysics, and Planetary Science, focusing on core formation, volatile element dynamics, and planetary evolution. Research Interests: Jesse’s work investigates the geochemical and physical processes during planetary accretion and differentiation, particularly the distribution of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and lead isotopes. He employs interdisciplinary approaches to study Earth’s early atmosphere, mantle mineralogy, and volatile loss mechanisms. Notable Publications: His recent studies (2024–2023) include analyses of planetary volatile abundances, metal-silicate partitioning, and machine learning applications in basalt petrogenesis, with a focus on Mars and Earth analogs. Labs & Collaborations: Jesse contributes to the Fischer Group’s research on planetary formation, integrating experimental and computational methods to explore core-mantle interactions and magma ocean evolution.
