Planetary Science
Our planetary science research combines geology, geochemistry, geophysics, and remote sensing. EEPS faculty and students explore the composition, structure, and evolution of our solar system’s planets, moons, and asteroids. Research focuses on the processes that shape planetary surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, and the potential for life in the universe. Through our research and participation in NASA programs, EEPS faculty and students contribute to the knowledge needed to create a sustainable future on this planet and others.
Nicholas Dygert
Associate Professor
he/him/his
865-974-6022, ndygert1@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Petrology, Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: I use field investigations, experiments, and numerical models to understand processes that shape the evolution of planetary interiors and crusts, and to interpret their expressions in the rock record. My focus is the Earth and Moon.
Chris Fedo
Professor
he/him/his
865-974-6002, cfedo@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Climate Change, Geochemistry, Planetary Geoscience, Sedimentary Geology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Research Interests: I study clastic sediments and sedimentary rocks in order to interpret planetary surface processes including weathering, transport, sedimentary environments, stratigraphy, and lithification.
Shichun Huang
Associate Professor
he/him/his
865-974-8347, shuang25@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Geochemistry, Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: I use elemental and isotopic tracers, together with petrology and mineralogy, to study the Earth’s mantle and the early Solar System.
Robert Jacobsen
Lecturer
rjacobse@vols.utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Geoscience Education, Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: Evidence-based teaching practices for large classrooms, graduate student professional development, K-12 STEM education and outreach
Linda Kah
Kenneth R. Walker Professor
865-974-6399, lckah@utk.edu
Research Discipline: Earth System Science, Geochemistry, Geomicrobiology, Paleobiology, Planetary Geoscience, Sedimentary Geology, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
Research Interests: My lab integrates sedimentology, geochemistry, and paleobiology to understand planetary biospheres. We explore rock fabrics and geochemical data to understand the evolution of the early Earth, and investigate potential habitable environments on Mars.
Molly McCanta
Professor
she/her/hers
865-974-6003, mmccanta@utk.edu
Research Discipline: Geochemistry, Petrology, Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: I am an igneous petrologist whose research is focused on the mineralogic record of magma storage regions conditions and eruptive processes on Earth and other terrestrial bodies.
Jeff Moersch
Professor
865-974-0371, jmoersch@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: Planetary surfaces; Unmanned spacecraft exploration of the Solar System; Remote Sensing; Terrestrial analogs for planetary surfaces; Instrument development; Exploration science and methodology.
Anna Szynkiewicz
Associate Professor
865-974-6006, aszynkie@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Environmental Science, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: I am a geologist and stable isotope geochemist using chemical and light isotope tracers to study surface processes related to water activity on Earth and Mars. I also investigate the origin of sulfur-bearing minerals on Mars.
Bradley Thomson
Assistant Professor
he/him
865-974-2699, bthom@utk.edu
Website
Research Discipline: Planetary Geoscience
Research Interests: As a planetary geologist, I am interested in understanding the physical processes that have shaped the surfaces of the terrestrial planets, including impact, eolian, fluvial, lacustrine, and volcanic processes.
