Catherine Neish is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at The University of Western Ontario. She serves as the Associate Director of Research for Western Space and is a Co-Investigator on NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan. Her research focuses on planetary radar observations, impact cratering processes, and the geological evolution of planetary surfaces, particularly on the Moon, Titan, and other Solar System bodies. Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona (2008) B.Sc. in Combined Honours Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (2004) Her recent publications highlight studies on lunar impact crater thermophysics, Titan's impact melt dynamics, and radar-based analyses of planetary surfaces. She has contributed to missions including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (Mini-RF), Cassini RADAR, and Dragonfly. Scientific Awards: College of New Scholars, Royal Society of Canada (2021) Early Researcher Award, Ontario (2017) Minor Planet 16972 Neish (2017) AGU Ron Greeley Award (2014) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012) NASA Group Achievement Award (2010) NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (2005-2008) Julie Payette-NSERC Research Scholarship (2004-2005) Dr. Neish supervises a dynamic lab with current and former students investigating planetary geology, impact cratering, and remote sensing. Her work bridges field studies (e.g., Earth analogs), laboratory experiments, and spacecraft data analysis.
Eleanor Jennings is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London. Her research focuses on Earth's origin and evolution, employing geochemical methods to study planetary differentiation processes. She investigates trace element partitioning between liquid metals and silicates under high pressure, ferropicrite magma origins, and igneous fractionation processes using mineral inclusions. Jennings teaches courses such as Planetary Interiors, Planetary Materials, and Volcanism in the Solar System. Her work integrates experimental petrology, thermodynamic modeling, and analytical techniques to explore core-mantle interactions, mantle melting dynamics, and extraterrestrial materials (e.g., lunar samples). She supervises three doctoral researchers at Birkbeck, focusing on topics like mantle heterogeneity and planetary geochemistry. Jennings' publications span experimental studies on metal-silicate partitioning, mantle melting models, and lunar petrogenesis. Her research outputs emphasize quantitative geochemical analyses and their implications for understanding Earth's formation and internal processes.
Dr. Sami Mikhail is a Reader in Earth Sciences at the University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between planetary interiors and surface composition, particularly how volcanic degassing influences long-term habitability. He holds roles such as Treasurer of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group and Board Member of the St Andrews Centre for Exoplanet Science. He completed his PhD at University College London (2011) and has held positions including Postdoctoral Researcher at the Carnegie Institution of Washington (2011–2013). His expertise spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary science, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable cities. Key research interests include the deep carbon and nitrogen cycles, mantle metasomatism, diamond formation, and planetary habitability. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Distinguished Lecturer from the Mineralogical Society (2020) and the Murchison Fund (2017). Dr. Mikhail supervises PhD students (e.g., Fawn Holland, Frederik Märker) and has led major grants like the NERC-funded project on Earth’s nitrogen flux. His lab focuses on experimental and theoretical approaches to trace volatile elements in Earth’s history.
Amy Bonsor is an Official Fellow and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Physical) at Queens' College, University of Cambridge. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of astronomy and planetary science, particularly examining the composition and evolution of planetary systems through the lens of white dwarf pollution. Dr. Bonsor's research primarily centers on understanding the composition of exoplanetary material by studying polluted white dwarfs. Her work combines observational astronomy with theoretical modeling to investigate planetary debris disks, tidal interactions, and the geochemical signatures of accreted planetary material. She has made significant contributions to understanding how white dwarfs can serve as cosmic laboratories for studying the bulk composition of exoplanetesimals, including their differentiation processes and volatile content. Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on the chemical analysis of planetary material through white dwarf spectroscopy, with particular attention to mineralogy, elemental abundances, and the implications for planetary formation and evolution. She has pioneered approaches combining machine learning with traditional astronomical techniques to categorize and interpret white dwarf spectral data at scale. As Director of Studies in Natural Sciences at Queens' College, Dr. Bonsor plays a key role in undergraduate education within the Physical Sciences track of Cambridge's renowned Natural Sciences Tripos. Her leadership position indicates her standing within the Cambridge academic community and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.
Chenguang Sun is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of Earth and other rocky planets, emphasizing volatile cycling, magma dynamics, and planetary habitability. He employs experimental petrology, thermobarometry, and geochemical modeling to decode planetary processes. Key research areas include deep volatile cycling, magmatic differentiation, and planetary differentiation mechanisms. He has pioneered methods such as Mg-REE coupled geospeedometry to study crustal formation rates and mantle dynamics. His work bridges laboratory experiments with field observations to address questions about Earth’s interior-surface interactions and planetary habitability. Education: Doctorate in Geochemistry/Petrology (not explicitly stated, inferred from career trajectory) Affiliations: Jackson School of Geosciences; Mineralogical Society of America Fellow (2021) Dr. Sun’s recent publications explore topics like CO2-rich melt thermobarometry, nitrogen delivery via giant impacts, and kimberlite magmatism. His awards include the MSA Award (2021) and AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award (2012). He advises graduate student Lucia G. Bellino and teaches advanced courses in thermodynamics of geological processes and solid Earth dynamics. His lab develops novel petrological tools for interpreting magmatic and metamorphic processes, with a focus on volatile cycling’s impact on planetary evolution. Ongoing projects include studying mantle-derived melt systems and their role in Earth’s carbon budget.
Rebecca Lange is the Alexander N Halliday Collegiate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She holds roles in the International Institute and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Her research focuses on magmatic processes, including olivine-melt thermometry, Martian magmas, carbonate melt behavior, and volcanic system dynamics. Lange earned a PhD in Geology from UC Berkeley (1989). Her work bridges experimental geochemistry and field-based studies, addressing questions about magma ascent rates, crust-mantle interactions, and volatile transport. Notable contributions include refining olivine-melt thermometers/hygrometers and elucidating mechanisms of high-silica rhyolite formation. She investigates planetary-scale processes, such as deep Earth carbon cycles and early ocean oxygenation, using multi-analytical approaches (e.g., Mössbauer spectroscopy, XANES). Research Themes : Magmatic volatile budgets, crystallization kinetics, crustal melt generation, planetary geochemistry. Key Techniques : Experimental petrology, high-pressure melting experiments, microanalytical methods, numerical modeling. Lange's recent studies highlight rapid phenocryst growth during magma ascent, degassing-induced oxidation in magmas, and the role of basalt emplacement in forming silicic melts. Her interdisciplinary approach spans terrestrial and extraterrestrial systems, with active projects on Martian magmas and alkaline lake geochemistry. Professional service includes roles in academic administration and steering committees. Her lab contributes to the International Institute's interdisciplinary initiatives, fostering collaborations between geosciences and global studies.
Maria Schönbächler is a Full Professor and Deputy Head of the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology at ETH Zürich. Her research focuses on the formation of the Solar System and planets, with expertise in cosmochemistry, isotopic analysis, and meteorite studies. She leads projects on nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies, volatile element distribution, and planetary accretion processes. Her recent publications highlight isotopic studies of asteroid Ryugu samples, titanium and zirconium isotope heterogeneity, and volatile depletion in carbonaceous chondrites. Key themes include early solar system water circulation, presolar grain dynamics, and Hadean mantle evolution. Collaborations span planetary science, analytical chemistry, and astrophysics. Notable trends in publications: Isotopic constraints on planetary formation (Ryugu, Vesta, Earth's mantle) Volatile element mobility in meteorites and planetary bodies Protoplanetary disk heterogeneity and nucleosynthetic processes Advanced mass spectrometry techniques (MC-ICPMS, TIMS) Implications for solar system accretion and core formation
Diana Valencia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto, with cross-appointments in the Department of Astronomy. She holds positions at both the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) and the St. George campus, focusing her research on the characterization of low-mass exoplanets, particularly super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. Her work aims to determine whether planets with masses between 1-15 Earth masses are scaled-up versions of Earth or scaled-down versions of Neptune in terms of composition, evolution, and physical properties. Ph.D. from Harvard University, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (2008) M.Sc. from University of Toronto, Physics Department (2002) B.Sc. (Honours) from University of Toronto, Physics Department (2001) Dr. Valencia's research interests center on the chemical composition and interior structure of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes, formation processes and chemistry of rocky planets, thermal evolution and interior dynamics of rocky and icy planets, and planetary habitability. Her work combines theoretical modeling with observational constraints to understand how planets form, evolve, and develop the properties we observe. She particularly focuses on connecting stellar composition to planetary characteristics and using statistical approaches to infer interior structures from mass-radius relationships. Analysis of her recent publications shows a strong focus on connecting stellar composition to planetary characteristics, with increasing use of advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques to infer interior structures. Her research spans theoretical modeling of planetary interiors, observational constraints from missions like JWST, and development of instrumentation for exoplanet characterization. The trend shows growing emphasis on understanding the diversity of rocky exoplanets and their formation pathways. Paolo Farinella 2021 Prize awarded by the European Planetary Society (shared with Lena Noack) Dr. Valencia actively mentors PhD students, currently supervising Nathan Winsor (Habitability of M-Dwarf Stars), Jen Scora (Compositional Outcome of Rocky Planet Formation), Bo Peng (Volatile Acquisition of Rocky Planetary Bodies), and Mykhaylo Plotnykov (Statistical Inferences of the Interior Structure and Composition of Exoplanets). Her research group spans a wide variety of topics related to planetary formation and evolution, with particular emphasis on understanding how planets develop their observed properties. She has secured significant research funding, including NASA Sagan Postdoctoral Fellowship and Henri Poincare Postdoctoral Fellowship. Dr. Valencia leads a research group focused on understanding planetary formation and evolution, with projects ranging from statistical inferences of interior structure to thermo-chemical evolution of planetesimals. She has also created the Astro4Kids initiative, providing free astronomy education to children worldwide, demonstrating her commitment to public outreach and science communication.
Prof. Dr. Lena Noack is a Professor of Planetary Geodynamics at the Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin. She leads the Planetary Geodynamics research group, focusing on geodynamics, mineral physics, and planetary processes. Her work explores mantle convection, crust formation, and atmospheric evolution, with a particular emphasis on exoplanets and habitability. Dr. Noack holds prestigious grants such as the ERC Consolidator Grant (DIVERSE project) and has received awards including the Paolo Farinella Prize (2021) and the Teaching Award from her institute (2019). Education: PhD in Planetology (University of Münster, 2012), Diplom in Mathematics (Humboldt University Berlin, 2008). Research interests span planetary interior dynamics, exoplanet habitability, and the interplay between geology and climate. Key projects include modeling volcanic outgassing, mantle redox states, and thermal evolution of rocky planets. She collaborates on missions like PLATO and LIFE, advancing exoplanet detection and characterization. Her work on TRAPPIST-1 planets and induction heating mechanisms has been widely recognized. Current grants include leadership in ISSI workshops and ERC-funded research. Students and advisees include over a dozen doctoral researchers studying topics like mantle evolution and planetary atmospheres.
Jessica Barnes is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Planetary Sciences, specializing in cosmochemistry and lunar studies. Her research focuses on understanding solar system volatiles through microanalytical techniques in the Kuiper-Arizona Laboratory for Astromaterials Analysis. Ph.D. in Planetary and Space Sciences from The Open University and Natural History Museum, London (2015) BSc (Hons) in Geosciences from University of St Andrews (2011) Her work integrates the Apollo Next-Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program and OSIRIS-REx mission, particularly studying preserved Apollo 17 basalts to unravel lunar volatile loss mechanisms and analyzing asteroid Bennu samples for organic and isotopic compositions. Recent publications highlight her expertise in lunar volcanics, Martian meteorite water history, and asteroid chemistry. She leads grants from NASA (ANGSA2, FINESST) and Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation for planetary materials analysis. Principal Investigator for Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, 2020-25) Co-Investigator on OSIRIS-REx Mission (NASA New Frontiers, 2011-25) Principal Investigator for Magmatic History of Steno Crater Basalts (NASA ANGSA, 2019-24) She advises graduate students in the Lunar and Planetary Sciences program and contributes to spacecraft mission working groups, including Sample Archiving and Mineralogy. Her outreach efforts include public lectures on lunar geology and sample curation.
Jie Li is the Rodney C. Ewing Collegiate Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences (Harvard University, 1998) and an M.A. in Geophysics (Harvard University, 1997). Her research focuses on Earth and planetary materials under extreme conditions, leveraging high-pressure techniques like diamond-anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key interests include terrestrial planet evolution, core composition, and dynamics of planetary interiors. Recent studies explore light elements in Earth’s core, Mercury’s magnetic field origin, and early Earth crust formation. Her work bridges experimental geochemistry, mineral physics, and computational modeling to understand planetary interiors. Notable contributions include pioneering studies on iron spin states in the lower mantle and the role of metallic melts in mantle dynamics. She collaborates globally, advancing methodologies for high-pressure experiments. Her research has been featured in outlets like Mashable India , highlighting her insights on Earth’s core dynamics and planetary science. Li’s lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to unraveling the origins of planetary materials and their evolution over geological time.
James Day is a Professor in the Geosciences Research Division at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He specializes in high-temperature geochemistry, isotopic geochemistry, planetary sciences, and meteoritics. His research focuses on understanding planetary formation processes, volatile element behavior in planetary interiors, and the petrogenesis of igneous rocks. Day holds a B.S. and PhD from the University of Durham, England, and has conducted fieldwork in Iceland, Mars meteorite analysis, and lunar sample studies. Key research areas include: Volatiles in terrestrial planets and meteorites Mantle dynamics and source heterogeneity Martian and lunar crust-mantle interactions Impact processes and their geochemical signatures Day has received major awards including the 2014 Nier Prize from the Meteoritical Society and the 2013 Houtermans Award from the European Association of Geochemistry. His work leverages advanced analytical techniques like isotopic tracing and microprobe analysis. He directs the Scripps Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, a facility specializing in high-precision geochemical analyses. Recent studies include investigations into the Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption in Iceland, the geochemical composition of lunar meteorites beyond the Procellarum KREEP Terrane, and nitrogen recycling in Earth's mantle. His research bridges cosmochemistry with terrestrial magmatism, addressing fundamental questions about planet formation and evolution.
Shun-ichiro Karato is a Professor of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Yale University, affiliated with the Department of Geology and Geophysics. His research focuses on high-pressure materials science, mantle dynamics, and planetary evolution. He leads experimental studies using advanced facilities like the 1000-ton Kawai-type Multi-anvil Apparatus and field-emission SEM with EBSD for microstructural analysis. Education: PhD in Geophysics, University of Tokyo, 1977 MSc in Geophysics, University of Tokyo, 1974 BSc in Geophysics, University of Tokyo, 1972 His research interests include water distribution in planetary interiors, deformation mechanisms of mantle minerals, and the role of volatiles in Earth’s dynamics. He collaborates across disciplines to integrate experimental, theoretical, and observational approaches. Recent work explores hydrogen dissolution in bridgmanite, mantle rheology under high pressure-temperature conditions, and the implications of seismic anomalies for mantle structure. Labs/Facilities: Karato oversees cutting-edge facilities enabling high-pressure/temperature experiments, including rotational Drickamer apparatuses and synchrotron-based deformation studies. These tools support investigations into phase transitions, deformation mechanisms, and melt localization in the mantle. Teaching: Teaches courses like Introduction to Earth Materials (G&G 319/519), Deformation of Earth Materials (G&G 450/650), and Seminar on Mantle and Core Geophysics (G&G 744).
Andre Izidoro is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University. His research focuses on planetary dynamics, solar system formation, and exoplanetary systems. He investigates topics such as terrestrial planet accretion, giant planet instabilities, and the evolution of asteroid belts. His work integrates numerical simulations with observational data to understand planetary system architectures and formation mechanisms. Key research interests include the role of dynamical instabilities in shaping planetary systems, the accretion processes of giant planets like Uranus and Neptune, and the formation of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes. He also explores the delivery of volatiles to terrestrial planets and the effects of planetary migration on system evolution. His publications highlight contributions to understanding the asteroid belt's primordial mass, the implications of Jupiter's migration for inner solar system dynamics, and the formation mechanisms of planetary systems via pebble accretion and resonant chain disruption. Recent work addresses exoplanet radius valley formation, wide-orbit planet origins, and the survival of planetary satellite systems under dynamical perturbations. Dr. Izidoro's research has been published in leading astrophysics journals and presented at international conferences. His work is supported by computational modeling and collaboration with observational astronomers.
Dr. Philip Carter is a Senior Research Associate at the School of Physics, University of Bristol. His work focuses on astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmochemistry, with a particular emphasis on giant impacts, exoplanet formation, and collisional processes in protoplanetary disks. Current affiliation: University of Bristol Academic rank: Researcher Research interests include the thermodynamics of planetary collisions, atmospheric loss in exoplanets, formation of chondritic mixtures via impact vaporization, and the role of debris disks in planet evolution. His work combines computational modeling with observational data analysis from surveys like SDSS and TESS. Recent publications (2023-2025) explore topics such as the IVANS model for chondrule formation, super-Mercury creation via impacts, and atmospheric loss mechanisms in Super-Earth collisions. These studies highlight his expertise in impact physics and planetary composition. He has contributed datasets to Harvard Dataverse, including replication data for "Did Earth eat its leftovers?" and "Colliding in the shadows of giants." Dr. Carter collaborates internationally, with research themes centered on protoplanet collisions and nebular shocks.
