Research Areas
Atmospheric Sciences
We study extreme weather, climate change, and their impacts on both ecosystems and modern society.
Environmental Geoscience
We use biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to understand how the Earth System supports such a diversity of life and how human behavior is impacting this system.
Geodata Science Initiative
Data science is the fourth and the newest paradigm of science. In Geodata Science Initiative, we conduct transdisciplinary research, merging or articulating EAPS subject matters with technical areas in data science: statistical and machine learning methods and models, algorithms for the models and methods, and computational environments for data analysis.
Geology and Geophysics
We study the processes that shape our planet, from the building of mountains and oil-bearing sedimentary basins, to the flow of warm rocks and cold glaciers, to the triggering of earthquakes.
Planetary Science
We study the evolution of the solar system and how planets evolve over time due to impacts, tectonics, and atmospheric processes, with an eye to the potential for past and future habitability.
Research News
Cloudy science, clear insights: Atmospheric scientist studies clouds’ causes and effects
04-15-2024
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Every cloud is lined, not with silver, but with science — at least from cloud expert Alexandria Johnson’s point of view. Clouds are ubiquitous. They are one of the most notable characteristics of planet Earth. Studying them is akin to studying the blood and arteries of the planet itself. Johnson, an atmospheric scientist and assistant professor in Purdue University’s College of Science, studies clouds wherever they are: in her lab, on Earth, throughout the solar system and into the galaxy.
China to hear pitches from NASA scientist, other researchers, to study Chang’e 5 lunar samples
04-11-2024
SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST — China’s space agency has invited 10 scientists from the US, Europe and Asia to pitch their plans in person to study lunar samples brought back to Earth by China’s Chang’e 5 moon mission. US applicants appearing at the review will include planetary scientist Michelle Thompson from Purdue University.
Rock Sampled by NASA's Perseverance Embodies Why Rover Came to Mars
04-10-2024
NASA — Analysis by instruments aboard NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover indicate that the latest rock core taken by the rover was awash in water for an extended period of time in the distant past, perhaps as part of an ancient Martian beach. Collected on March 11, the sample is the rover’s 24th – a tally that includes 21 sample tubes filled with rock cores, two filled with regolith (broken rock and dust), and one with Martian atmosphere. Briony Horgan, of Purdue EAPS, says, "we’re still exploring the margin and gathering data, but results so far may support our hypothesis that the rocks here formed along the shores of an ancient lake."
Special report: Solar eclipse path of totality
04-09-2024
NBC — NBC Nightly News broadcast live from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with NASA and Purdue University. Anchor Lester Holt interviews Andrew Feustel, astronaut and Purdue EAPS alumnus, at the 54 minute mark about this once in a lifetime view of the eclipse in totality.
Purdue University campus pauses to soak up 2024 solar eclipse, experiencing near totality
04-09-2024
USATODAY — The Tippecanoe County area was not in the direct path of Monday's total eclipse, but area residents still had the chance to witness a rare event of a near total eclipse, and they filled Purdue University's campus to catch a glimpse. Purdue EAPS co-sponsored the on-campus event.