Research

Research Categories

Biogeosciences

Using both field- and lab-based geochemical methods, we are linking the molecular products of life with how organic signatures are preserved in the geologic record in deep time, touching on topics that range from the origin of life, evolution, astrobiology, climate change and more.

Cosmochemistry and Planetary Sciences

Applying various approaches such as remote sensing, geophysical modeling and cosmochemical analysis, we are investigating the origin of Solar System, the formation of planets and planetary surface processes. Our subjects of interest range from the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and Pluto to icy worlds to beyond our Solar System.

Environmental Sciences

Studying the geologic, climate, and aqueous environmental histories of Earth and other planets using methods that range from satellite remote sensing to nano-scale mineral surface reactions, and from the stratigraphic record to measuring active hydrology and climate change.

Geological Sciences

Our students and faculty are answering fundamental questions on tectonics, Earth history, soil science, sedimentology, petrology, climate science, and mineralogy; from Antartica to Mars we cover all aspects of geological sciences in the field, by experiments, and the lab.

Geophysics

Probing the interior of the Earth using a combination of geophysics, geochemistry, and geodynamics; our department studies the current state of our Earth as well as the Earth's interior in deep time with the most modern techniques in analytical geochemistry, deformation, seismology and numerical modeling.

CATEGORIES
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Aqueous Geochemistry and Mineralogy

Biomineralogy

Biogeochemistry and Organic Geochemistry

Climate and Paleoclimate

Earth and Planetary Remote Sensing

Experimental Studies of Planetary Materials

Geodynamics

High-Temperature Isotope Geochemistry

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Mineral Physics and Heat Flow

Non-traditional Stable Isotope Geochemistry

Outer Solar System Geology and Geophysics

Planetary Materials Science

Planetary Spectroscopy

Seismology

Solar System Chemistry

Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

research at the cutting-edge

Learn more about our lab spaces, unique equipment, and research interests by exploring the resources below

Laboratory Directory

laboratory locations

Earth & Planetary Sciences Computing Resources

learn more about our departmental technology and support

The Research Office

research information and support

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Graduate Student Zhen Tian conducting research.

As a graduate student who would like to pursue a career in academia in the future, the most important and most attractive perspective about the EPS department is its strong planetary science background. When you choose to join the EPS department, you are choosing to join the frontier of lunar and Martian science, and also, you’re going to have a lot of chances to work with high profile researchers for interdisciplinary collaborations.

―Zhen TianMcDonnell International Academy Scholar