Planet-forming Disks and Exoplanets

Professor Ilaria Pascucci (pascucci@arizona.edu)

Professor Pascucci's group investigates how planets form and evolve by combining observations of protoplanetary disks – using state–of–the–art facilities such as JWST and ALMA – with studies of exoplanet demographics from major surveys like Kepler and TESS. A PhD position is available in the areas of disk observations, exoplanet demographics, and the link between them. A strong background in physics and some knowledge of astronomy is strongly preferred.

Planetary Surfaces

Professor Shane Byrne (sbyrne@arizona.edu)

Professor Byrne’s group investigates surface processes that affect, or are driven by, planetary ices with a focus on high-resolution image and stereo-topography data. Our areas of activity have included martian ice stability; polar stratigraphy and connection to past climates; lunar landscape evolution; Ceres cryovolcanism and ground ice; and ice-sublimation landforms. A Ph.D. position is currently available to analyze the stratigraphy of the martian south polar ice cap and search for climatic signals.

Arizona Space Grant

Can you imagine yourself working with a faculty mentor to develop a lunar rover controlled over the internet? To study the effects of zero-gravity on muscles and other organ systems? To devise a system for "mining" fuel from the Martian atmosphere? Or to study the effects of climatic and other changes on planet Earth? Imagine no more. The UA/NASA Space Grant Program will employ undergraduate students for 10-20 hours per week during the academic year to work alongside upper-level graduate students and practicing scientists.

ASTEROIDS Laboratory

Providing undergraduates majoring in science and engineering, especially those traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the opportunity to broaden their education with a rich, hands-on experience and the full process of inquiry and discovery. Research and education will focus on utilizing planetary science principles for conceiving, implementing and validating space technologies, from systems design and control solutions, to robots and sensor networks, to mobility and excavation on small bodies.

UArizona Graduate College Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium

The University of Arizona Graduate College administers the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC), a group of ten research programs.