Timothy Glotch, Professor and Chair of Geosciences

My research interests are focused on using infrared remote sensing and laboratory spectroscopy to better understand the composition of the crusts of the Moon, Mars, and small bodies. My research group and I primarily use data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Diviner, Mars Global Surveyor TES, Mars Odyssey THEMIS, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter CRISM, and OSIRIS-REx OTES instruments. We study extraterrestrial samples and their analogs using infrared and Raman spectroscopic measurements at bulk, micro-, and nano-scales in the Vibrational Spectroscopy Laboratory. 

Mehmet Yesiltas, Research Professor

I am interested in studying the chemical composition of extraterrestrial materials to understand their formation and evolution histories. I mainly utilize infrared and Raman spectroscopic methods and primarily focus on the organic matter in carbonaceous chondrites and returned asteroid samples.  

Indhu Varatharajan, Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Interests: Planetary spectroscopy and surface mineralogy, integrated spectroscopy methods (laboratory-orbital-in situ-telescope), machine learning, planetary volatiles and resources, field analogue studies, volcanism, geology and surface processes, space weathering of airless bodies. 

Henal Bhatt, Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Interests: Understanding the geological evolution of planetary landforms that includes volcanoes, mare, and impact craters of the Moon. Compositional mapping, morphological mapping, tectonic and structural study of the lunar surface using remote sensing techniques from hyperspectral and multispectral VNIR data, laser altimetry, and digital elevation models and panchromatic data from NASA’s and ISRO’s contemporary lunar missions, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Chandrayaan-1 missions. 

Connor Tinker, Geosciences Ph.D. Student

Research Interests: Planetary surface processes, spectroscopy, spacecraft mission and instrument development. 

Eashan Das, Geosciences Ph.D. Student

My research uses spectroscopy, remote sensing, and geochemical modeling to understand the formation and evolution of hydrated minerals on the surface of Mars. I'm currently performing detailed geomorphological analysis of chloride salt deposits across Mars along with geochemical models of chloride deposit forming brines to constrain the conditions and timing surrounding the last stable liquid water on the surface of Mars.   

Leonard Flores, Geosciences Ph.D. Student

My research delves into uncovering the ancient past of our Solar System by using multiple analytical techniques to examine carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. Primarily using spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and nano-Fourier-Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with accompanying tools such as a Scanning-Electron Microscope and Synchrotron Beamline X-rays, I investigate distinctive features in my meteorite samples that give us insight into the meteorite's past. Because the type of meteorites I am examining, carbonaceous chondrites, formed during the early Solar System, investigations of these meteorites' past give us clues on what processes occurred during our Solar System's infancy 

Olive Koren, Geosciences Ph.D. Student

Olive began working on their PhD at Stony Brook in the Fall of 2021 after receiving a BA in Astronomy from SUNY New Paltz. Their research primarily focuses on spectroscopy, planetary science and modeling which has allowed them to become proficient with the on-site nano-IR instrument. Current research projects include developing analysis techniques for nano-IR data and nano-IR analysis of samples returned from asteroid Ryugu. Olive is also passionate about mentoring undergraduates and new graduate students and is the President of the Research Assistants Union. 

Vanessa Alfonso, Geosciences Ph.D. Student

Co-Advised with Roy Price (SoMAS)

Research Interests: My research interests include clay mineralogy, mineral-organic interactions, and terrestrial analogs for Mars.  I take an interdisciplinary approach to explore the evolution and habitability of geological materials by employing and adapting laboratory procedures, and utilizing infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.

Sakshi Sinha, Computer Science M.S. Student

Research Interests: I am interested in exploring the intersection of algorithms and their practical applications, particularly in distributed systems and operating systems. I am focused on understanding how these systems are designed and how they support efficient computing in real-world environments. 

Kristen Norberg, Geosciences Undergraduate Student

Research Interests: My research interests include planetary geology, geomorphology, and astrobiology. Currently, I am working to analyze the chloride salt deposits that exist on Mars, and discover their implications regarding the planet's last surface liquid water.