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Alumni of the Ronald Greeley Planetary Geology Group

Post-docs/Faculty Research Associates


Balme, Matt (2001 – 2003) – Conducted experiments of terrestrial and Martian dust devilformation using ASU and NASA Mars Wind Tunnel and ASU Vortex Simulator. Currently a Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences at The Open University, Milton Keynes, England and part-time Research Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona.

Blumberg, Dan (1993 – 1995) – Analysis of shuttle Imaging Radar data and related field work in Death Valley and the Mojave Desert. Currently President of the Israel Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and Chair Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheeva, Israel.

Christensen, Phillip (1981 – 1986) – Analysis of Viking-Mars data, Field studies of aeolian features in Bolivia, California, and Mexico, planetary instrument development of Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) for Mars Global Surveyor, Mini-TES for the Mars Exploration Rovers, and Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) for the Mars Odyssey orbiter. Currently Regents’ Professor of Geological Sciences, ASU.

Fagents, Sarah (1995 – 2002) – Planetary volcanism; field work, modeling, and data analysis. Currently faculty, University of Hawaii.

Fink, Jonathan (1979 – 1982) – Impact cratering experiments in viscous targets, field studies of volcanic features, analyses of planetary data. Currently Director of Center for Environmental Studies / Forest Stewardship Council Institute of Sustainability, ASU.

Gaddis, Lisa (1987 – 1990) – Analysis of terrestrial and venusian radar data for geological interpretations. Currently Research Scientist and former Team Leader, Astrogeology, U.S. Geol. Survey, Flagstaff.

Lancaster, Nicholas (1984 – 1985, 1986 – 1990) – Aeolian field studies and analysis of aeolian features on Mars. Currently Senior Director of Center for Arid Lands Environmental Management and Research Professor, at the Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV.

Lee, Steven (1980 – 1984) – Analysis of aeolian processes on Mars. Currently Department Chair and Curator of Planetary Science at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, CO.

McHone, John (1992 – 1998) – Study of terrestrial impact craters based on fieldwork and remote sensing data, and laboratory methods. Currently an independent consultant/researcher, Vienna, VA.

Sullivan, Robert (1996 – 1997) – Assisted in planning imaging experiment for Galileo Solid State Imaging Experiment and development of windsock experiment for Mars Pathfinder and analysis of results. Currently Research Associate at Cornell University working in planning and operations for several active missions.

Tsoar, Haim (1979 – 1981) – Study of dune fields on Mars based on Viking Orbiter data analysis; field studies of aeolian features. Currently Professor and former Chair, Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheeva, Israel.

Ward, Wesley (1978 – 1979) – Study of aeolian features on Mars; laboratory simulations of yardang formation. Currently Southwest Regional Executive, U.S. Geological Survey, Tucson, AZ.

Williams, David R. (1987 – 1991) – Study of Venusian geophysics based Pioneer-Venus data and computer modeling. Currently Planetary Data Acquisition Scientist at NASA National Space Science Data Center, Greenbelt, MD.

Williams, Steve (1992 – 1993) – Research on aeolian features and processes. Currently at the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Wilson, Gregory (1995 – 1998) – Operation of Mars Surface Wind Tunnel, calibration of various space fight projects, participation in Mars Pathfinder mission. Currently Research Scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Ph.D. Graduates


Blount, Grady (1988) – Regional aeolian dynamics from remote sensing: Origin of the Gran Desierto, Sonora, Mexico. Currently Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, TX.

Bleacher, Jacob (2006) – Volcanism, Mars and Hawaii. Currently Research Scientist, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, MD.

Blumberg, Dan (1993) – Prediction of aeolian processes by remote sensing and models. Currently President of the Israel Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and Chair Department of Geography and Environmental Development, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheeva, Israel.

Cataldo, “Enzo” Vincenzo (2013 – 2022) – Dissertation title. Currently xxx at ASU.

Crown, David (1991) – Volcanism in the Eastern Hellas region of Mars: The geology of Hadriaca and Tyrrhena Paterae. Senior Scientist and Assistant Director, Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ.

Figueredo, Patricio (2002) – Cryovolcanic and tectonic resurfacing mechanisms on Europa and Ganymede. Currently scientist with Exxon-Mobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX.

Lee, Jeffrey Alan (1990) – The effects of desert shrubs on shear stress from the wind: An exploratory study. Currently Professor, Department of Geological Sciences, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.

Neakrase, Lynn D.V. (2001) – A Laboratory Study of Sediment Flux Within Dust Devils on Earth and Mars. Currently College Instructor, Senior Scientist Specialist, NASA PSD Atmospheres Node, Department of Astronomy, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM.

Pappalardo, Robert (1994) – The origin and evolution of ridge and trough terrain and the geological history of Miranda. Currently Senior Scientist and Project Scientist, Cassini mission Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Peterfreund, Alan (1985) – Contemporary aeolian processes on Mars: Local dust storm. Currently a private consultant.

Spudis, Paul (1982) – The geology of lunar multi-ring basins. Currently Staff Scientist, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX.

Theilig, Eilene (1986) – Formation of pressure ridges and emplacement of compound basaltic lava flows. Retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as Project Scientist, Galileo mission.

Williams, Steve (1987) – A comparative planetological study of particle speed and concentration during aeolian saltation. Currently at the Smithsonian Institution, Air and Space Museum, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.

Williams, Kevin (2002) – Radar penetration of sand and dust as determined by laboratory and field measurements. Currently faculty member, University of Buffalo, NY.

Zimbelman, James (1984) – Geologic interpretation of remote sensing data for the Martian volcano Ascraeus Mons. Currently at the Smithsonian Institution, Air and Space Museum, Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Washington, D.C.

Master of Science Graduates – (*) indicates those who went on for Ph.D.


Albin, Edward Francis (1986) – Mars: Volcanic features in the cratered uplands and possible tectonic associations. Currently staff scientist, Fernbank Science Center, Atlanta, GA.

Bougan*, Shelley (1985) – Aeolian bedforms on Venus: An investigation of the roles of particle size and wind speed. Currently at Ball Aerospace, Boulder, CO.

Butler* (Freeman), Carol (2004) – Formation of Mixed-Tone and Bright Wind Streaks on Mars. Continuing at ASU to achieve Ph.D. in Geoscience Education and Geological Hazards.

Cave*, Shelby (2004) – The geology of two small Cenozoic volcanoes in southwestern Arizona. Continuing at ASU to achieve Ph.D. with research on late Cenozoic effusive volcanism in southwestern Arizona through field mapping, remote sensing, and petrology as possible terrestrial analogue for volcanism on the moon, Mars, and Venus.

Challis, Diana (1997) – Wax modeling of thermal erosion in low-viscosity lava flows. Currently Assistant Astronomer, Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL.

Christoph*, John M. (2013 – 2018) – Thesis title. Currently xxx at ASU.

Chuang, Frank (2000) – Large mass movements on Callisto. Currently Research Associate and Software Specialist at the Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ.

Craddock*, Robert (1987) – High resolution thermal infrared mapping of Martian outflow and fretted channels. Currently at CEPS/NASM, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

Dial, Rebecca (2005) – Origin and modification of the Medusae Fossae Formation Mars. Currently staff member in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, ASU.

Doggett*, Thomas (2005) – Classifier for on-board detection of cryospheric change using Hyperion data. Currently Ph.D. candidate at ASU with research on Europa.

Heiner, Sarah (1999) – Lofn Crater Callisto: A large, flat-floored crater imaged by Galileo. Currently privately employed.

Kadel, Steven D. (1993) – Multispectral and morphologic analyses of Lunar Mare Basalts in the Orientale Basin. Currently faculty member at Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ.

Kienenberger, Rebekah (2011) – Distribution of Windblown Sediment in Small Craters on Mars. Currently Earth Science Teacher at Mesa Preparatory Academy, Mesa, AZ.

Kolb*, Eric (2004) – Formation history and glaciological implications of ice-filled impact craters at Mars’ south pole. Currently living in northern California.

Kraft*, Michael (1999) – Aeolian abrasions of rock coatings on Mars: Application to Mars Pathfinder Landing Sites. Currently Ph.D. candidate at ASU.

Landheim, Ragnhild (1995) – Exobiology sites for Mars exploration and geologic mapping of Gusev Crater-Ma’adim Vallis. Currently Research Associate Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe, SETI Institute.

Michaels, Greg (1998) – Identification of lava, debris and pyroclastic flow types and attributes using curvature spectra of flow margins. Currently free lance writer living in Taiwan.

Mohr*, Kyle (2013 – 2018) – Thesis title. Currently xxx at ASU.

Moore*, Jeffrey (1986) – Icy Satellite Geology. Currently Research Scientist, NASA-Ames Research Center.

Neakrase*, Lynn D.V. (2001) – Martian polar aeolian processes: seasonal changes at the Mars Polar Lander site.

Nelson, David Michael (1997) – Thesis: Geology of outflow channels at the Mars Pathfinder Landing Site. Currently Data Manager at the Ronald Greeley Center for Planetary Studies, ASU.

Posin, Seth (1990) – Eruptive conditions and volcano morphology. Currently privately employed.

Paisley (Ivester), Elizabeth (1990) – Discrimination of active and inactive sand from remote sensing: The Kelso Dunes, Mojave Desert, California. Currently faculty member at Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, AZ.

Ring (Bender), Kelley (1989) – Use of radar I planetary geologic mapping: A test study. Currently staff member, Mars THEMIS experiment, ASU.

Schuver, Henry (1988) – Modeling volcano morphology. Currently staff at the United States Environmental Protection Agency HQ, Office of Solid Waste, Corrective Action Programs Branch (CAPB), Washington, D.C.

Schneid, Byron Daniel (1992) – A global survey of volcanic vents on Mars: Systematic identification and tectonic associations. Currently Project Manager, Sr. Geoligist, Terranext, Phoenix, AZ.

Schwartz (Kennedy), Wendy Louise (1999) – An interpretation of dome formation on Europa. Currently living in Japan.

Sever, Kate (2004) – Jupiter’s moon Europa: formation of lenticulae and implications of the ice shell structure. Currenly employed at Sylvan Learning Center, AZ.

Skypeck Andrew (1989) – Comparison of a Mars circulation model with aeolian features and deposits.

Sullivan*, Robert John Jr. (1987) – Comparison of aeolian roughness measured in a field experiment and in a wind tunnel simulation. Currently Research Associate at Cornell University working in planning and operations for several active missions.

Theilig*, Eileen (1979) – Plains and channels in the Lunae Planum – Chryse Planitia region of Mars. Retired from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as Project Scientist, Galileo mission.

Waller, Devin (2011) – Active Dust Devils on Mars: A Comparison of Six Spacecraft Landing Sites. Currently Research Analyst at Lunar Reconnaissnace Orbiter Camera Facility, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

Watts, Alison (1992) – The formation of terrains antipodal to major impacts.

Whelley*, Patrick (2006) – Dust devil tracks and active dust devils in Gusev Crater, Mars: new insights from Mars Exploration Rover, Spirit. Currently in Ph.D. program at SUNY-Buffalo.

Williams, Dave* (1992) – Multispectral studies of selected crater- and basin-filling Lunar Maria from Galileo Earth-Moon encounter 1. Currently a Senior Faculty Research Associate, ASU.

Vigliozone (Martel), Linda (1984) – Radar observations of basaltic lava flows and fissure vents: Craters of the moon, Idaho. Currently Educational Specialist, Planetary Science, University of Hawaii.