Research Overview

Spectroscopy

We use spectroscopy in the lab and on space-based missions to constrain the composition of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

Thermophysics

Remote sensing thermophysical investigations enable the detailed characterization of surface physical properties.

Surface Processes

Planetary surface processes modify the physical expression of features. We use morphology, composition, and thermophysics to help constrain processes active today and in the past.

Instrument Development

Building new instruments helps answer pressing questions in planetary science.

Participate on Active Missions

Develop spaceflight hardware, collaborate internationally, and work with data generated by the Emirates Main Belt InfraRed Spectrometer (EMBIRS) instrument onboard the

Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt EMBIRS Principal Investigator

Characterize the thermal environment and evaluate surface composition of the Moon
onboard

Lunar Trailblazer Co-Investigator

Work with spectroscopy, and thermophysical data
onboard

JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration Mission Participating Scientist

Work with imagery, chemistry, and thermophysical data
onboard the

Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover Participating Scientist and Science Team Member

Develop spaceflight hardware, collaborate internationally, and work with data generated by the Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS) instrument onboard the

Emirates Mars Mission – Hope Orbiter EMIRS Instrument Scientist

Examine high resolution mineralogical and thermophysical data from THEMIS
onboard the

2001 Mars Odyssey THEMIS Science Team Co-Investigator

Use high resolution mineralogical and morphological data from CRISM, CTX, and HiRISE
onboard the

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Research and Analysis Supported Grants

Combine spectroscopy and morphology on rover-scales
using the

Mars Exploration Rovers Mini-TES Science Team Collaborator

Conduct global-scale spectral investigations with TES
onboard the

Mars Global Surveyor TES Science Team Collaborator, MOC, MOLA

Research Group Members

Christopher S. Edwards
Professor of Planetary Science
Christopher S. Edwards
Professor of Planetary Science
Chris Haberle
Assistant Research Professor
Chris Haberle
Assistant Research Professor
Jean-François Smekens
Assistant Research Professor
Jean-François Smekens
Assistant Research Professor
Cheng Ye
Postdoctoral Scholar
Cheng Ye
Postdoctoral Scholar
Christopher Wolfe
Postdoctoral Scholar
Christopher Wolfe
Postdoctoral Scholar
Emily Mason
Postdoctoral Scholar
Emily Mason
Postdoctoral Scholar
Benjamin McKeeby
Postdoctoral Scholar
Benjamin McKeeby
Postdoctoral Scholar
Nathan Smith
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Nathan Smith
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Charles Saluski
Research Systems Administrator
Charles Saluski
Research Systems Administrator
Christopher Rose
Instrument Engineer
Christopher Rose
Instrument Engineer
Jagoda Janiszewska
Grant and Project Coordinator, Sr.
Jagoda Janiszewska
Grant and Project Coordinator, Sr.
Paloma Davidson
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Paloma Davidson
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Kelly Laurila
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Kelly Laurila
Program Coordinator, Sr.
Ari Koeppel
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Ari Koeppel
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Aurelien Stcherbinine
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Aurelien Stcherbinine
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Christian Tai Udovicic
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Christian Tai Udovicic
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Valerie Payre
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Valerie Payre
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Jennifer Buz
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Jennifer Buz
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Kathryn Powell
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Kathryn Powell
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Cong Pan
Postdoctoral Researcher (Former)
Cong Pan
Postdoctoral Researcher (Former)
Kristen Bennett
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Kristen Bennett
Postdoctoral Scholar (Former)
Mark McAdam
Scientific Software Developer (Former)
Mark McAdam
Scientific Software Developer (Former)
Kezman Saboi
Data Scientist (Former)
Kezman Saboi
Data Scientist (Former)
Laura Lee
Graduate Student
Laura Lee
Graduate Student
Daphne Chapline
Graduate Student
Daphne Chapline
Graduate Student
Amelia Ascione
Graduate Student
Amelia Ascione
Graduate Student
Natalie Jones
Graduate Student
Natalie Jones
Graduate Student
Helen Eifert
Graduate Student
Helen Eifert
Graduate Student
Greta Freeman
Undergraduate Student
Greta Freeman
Undergraduate Student
Zachary Hallemeyer
Undergraduate Student
Zachary Hallemeyer
Undergraduate Student
Loren Larrieu
Undergraduate Student
Loren Larrieu
Undergraduate Student
Samuel Phippen
Undergraduate Student
Samuel Phippen
Undergraduate Student
Embrey Saville
Undergraduate Student
Embrey Saville
Undergraduate Student
Aaron Weintraub
Graduate Student (Former)
Aaron Weintraub
Graduate Student (Former)
Jessica Walsh
Graduate Student (Former)
Jessica Walsh
Graduate Student (Former)

Contact Information

Email: christopher.edwards@nau.edu

Phone: +1-928-523-7234

Mailing Address:
Northern Arizona University
Dept. Astronomy and Planetary Science
Attn: Christopher Edwards
PO BOX 6010
Flagstaff, AZ 86011		 Delivery Address:
Northern Arizona University
Dept. Astronomy and Planetary Science
Attn: Christopher Edwards
527 S. Beaver St.
Building 19, Room 209
Flagstaff, AZ 86011