Planetary Analog Research

I am currently serving as a participating scientist on the NASA-funded PSTAR project, LASSIE. This project aims to develop, test, and deploy a cognitively-enhanced semi-autonomous robot designed for surface science exploration in planetary analog environments. The primary scientific objective of the work is to assess the geotechnical properties of environmental gradients, including loose unconsolidated materials, soil crusts, surface lags, lithified sediments, and icy sediment mixtures. This assessment involves a comprehensive approach combining chemical analysis, Thermal Infrared (TIR) spectroscopy, thermophysical modeling, and integrated terrain sensing techniques.

Insights gained from our fieldwork are directly informing thermophysical studies of dune environments within Olympia Undae on Mars. By applying these insights, we aim to refine our understanding of surface processes occurring in the Martian polar region.