Abstract

Laboratory experiments provide a critical avenue for unraveling the complex processes shaping planetary bodies both within and beyond the Solar System. My research leverages advanced nanoscale material science techniques to investigate the unique physical properties of exotic planetary materials. At the University of Texas at San Antonio, I lead the Planetary Material CHaractErization Facility (PMCHEF), established with support from the NASA Early Career Award. PMCHEF enables precise measurements of surface, electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of various planetary materials.

The planetary materials that my group works with expand from Titan's organic-rich haze analogs, carbonaceous meteorites, terrestrial field samples, exoplanetary mineral cloud analogs, and planetary mission return samples. Measurements of the fundamental physical properties of these various planetary materials shed light on many fundamental mechanisms driving the unique atmospheric and surface processes on various planetary bodies. For example, our work on Titan has provided insights into the origins of its atmospheric clouds, organic dunes, and hydrocarbon lakes, including the mysterious "magic islands" phenomenon, which garnered attention from media outlets such as AGU Newsroom, CNN, and BBC, as well as front-page coverage in the San Antonio Express-News. By bridging laboratory experiments with observational data, my research illuminates the hidden dynamics of planetary systems and lays the groundwork for future exploratory missions.