Thermophysical Analysis for Mars Analogs

This multi-institutional project focuses on characterizing copper mine tailings in Arizona—fine-grained, often cemented materials left behind from more than a century of ore processing. These tailings represent not only a massive and underutilized resource for critical metals like lithium, but also serve as valuable terrestrial analogs for understanding similar materials on Mars.

Using drone- and satellite-based remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar, and thermal infrared (TIR) instrumentation, we are mapping the surface mineralogy, particle size distribution, and 3D structure of tailings facilities across the state. These techniques directly inform planetary science, offering tools to interpret fine-grained, layered, and potentially cemented deposits on Mars—such as those found in polar dune fields and ancient sedimentary basins.

By applying planetary remote sensing methods to terrestrial environmental challenges, this work bridges Earth and Mars science, providing mutual benefits for resource recovery, environmental monitoring, and planetary surface exploration.

LASSIE: Legged Autonomous Surface Science In Analogue Environments

Surface Complexity and TIR Spectral Response in Planetary Analogs

This research examines the spectral response of physically mixed, heterogeneous surfaces with varying particle sizes and roughness. The goal is to better understand how surface roughness and directional emissivity affect thermal infrared spectra.

To do this, I combine multispectral and hyperspectral TIR spectroscopy with high-resolution structure-from-motion photogrammetry. This interdisciplinary approach provides deeper insight into how surface properties influence the spectral signatures captured in remote sensing data.