I’m interested in planetary atmospheric chemistry. In particular, I am interested in the complex organic chemistry occurring in the atmosphere of Titan and the processes by which small molecules (N2 and CH4) are transformed into aerosols. I am also interested in understanding the chemical conditions required for aerosol formation in planetary atmospheres and the types of aerosols that form with an eye towards understanding aerosols in exoplanet atmospheres and the inventory of molecules that may be available for life on other worlds.
One of my primary EPO interests is getting scientists more directly connected to K12 education. Astronomy and planetary science can be “gateway drugs” for getting students interested in other STEM fields. My project centers on teacher training workshops coupled with the annual AAS Division of Planetary Science meeting which will allow scientists to participate directly in the teacher training process and give teachers access to planetary scientists throughout the school year.