51 Peg b Fellowship

Purdue University is proud to be a host instiitution for Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b fellowship and we have 17 faculty mentors from the College of Science.

The 51 Pegasi b Fellowship provides postdoctoral scientists with the opportunity to conduct theoretical, observational, and experimental research in planetary astronomy.

Established in 2017, the Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellowship is named for the first exoplanet discovered orbiting a Sun-like star. The growing field of planetary astronomy scientists study objects both within and beyond our solar system, bridging planetary science and astronomy. From improving our understanding of planetary system formation and evolution, to advancing new technologies for detecting other worlds, 51 Pegasi b Fellows make a unique contribution to the field.

The Heising-Simons Foundation is dedicated to fostering an environment that embraces and celebrates a wide range of perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals whose backgrounds are underrepresented in planetary astronomy, and whose innovative ideas can have catalytic impacts on the field. 

Meet our Mentors

Alexandria Johnson, Institutional Contact
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

In the Cloud Lab we aim to understand planetary atmospheres both near and far through the lens of clouds, their properties, and the microphysical pathways under which they form, develop, and dissipate. We do this through the marriage of laboratory experiments with modeling and observations, allowing us to provide lab based ‘ground truth’ to remotely sensed planets and enhance understanding of atmospheres we cannot visit with spacecraft. Some questions we investigate: Chemistry of cloud and precipitation on Titan, scattering and polarization signals of exoplanet particulates, and the role of clouds in past planetary climates including their effects on habitability.

Ali Bramson
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

The Bramson research group studies processes that affect the surfaces of planets in our Solar System, including the distribution of volatiles, ices, and volcanism in the near surface environment. We tackle such questions about the planets using spacecraft remote sensing observations in tandem with theoretical modeling and analog experiments. PI Bramson runs the Subsurface Planetary Investigations with Radar and AnaLogs (SPIRAL) Lab, which features a variety of equipment and software for field and experimental analog studies related to surface/subsurface planetary investigations.

Cauê Borlina
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

In the Purdue Magnetics Lab (PMag Lab) we use paleomagnetism to investigate magnetic fields in different contexts. We measure the magnetism of meteorites to determine how magnetic fields evolved during the time the solar system was a protoplanetary disk. Ultimately, we can use the early solar system as proxy for planetary systems forming elsewhere to understand the evolution of protoplanetary disks and how their dynamics influence planetary formation. We also measure the magnetism of terrestrial and extraterrestrial materials to determine the evolution of planetary magnetic fields in the context of moons, planets and planetesimals. Such measurements allows to determine the formation, interior structure and evolution of planetary bodies. We are also interested in how planetary magnetic fields play a role in habitability and how we can integrate our datasets into modeling to understand the evolution of planetary magnetism.

Dan Cziczo
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

Our group operates cloud chambers that can be used to nucleate droplets and ice. While mainly used for terrestrial work we have adapted the atmospheres and conditions for Martian cloud studies. These techniques could also be used for other (Titan, exoplanet) studies.

Paul Duffell
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Email

The Duffell reseearch group broadly studies astrophysical applications of computational fluid dynamics. One important component to this research is the theoretical study of protostellar disks, and in particular how the presence of a planet or binary system can sculpt the morphology of the disk, with direct impact on observations.

Merel van 't Hoff
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Email

Using observations of molecules in young circumstellar disks (taken with for example ALMA and JWST) and diverse modeling tools to interpret these observations, my research addresses the questions: What are the initial physical and chemical conditions for planet formation? How common are the conditions that were present in the young Solar System and led to the formation of Earth? What is the role of comets in delivering water and complex organic molecules to terrestrial planets?

Briony Horgan
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

We study the evolution of habitability on terrestrial planets as recorded by their mineralogy and geomorphology. By combining orbital and rover remote sensing of planetary surfaces with laboratory and field work on terrestrial analogs, we seek to understand the impact of both planetary scale processes like climate and local processes like chemical gradients help to foster and sustain habitability over time.

Brandon Johnson
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

My work is focused mainly on impact cratering, which is arguably the most pervasive geologic process in the solar system. In my group we use numerical models called hydrocodes to study the formation of impact craters and impact processes. Although I am primarily focused on impact cratering and impact processes, my research also includes interest in the geophysics of planets and the various processes that modify planetary surfaces.

David Minton
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

Our group does numerical modeling of planet and satellite formation, and the dynamical evolution of planetary systems. We also do numerical modeling of the evolution of cratered surfaces with an aim to understand small body populations that once existed in the solar system, and how those populations evolved over time.

Stephanie Olson
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email
Olson's group investigates exoplanet habitability and life detection. Her research involves using 3D models for planetary climate and biogeochemistry to characterize how various stellar, orbital, and planetary parameters jointly shape surface environments, the potential for an independent origin of life, and the expression of life in planetary spectra. An important short-term goal is identifying essential capabilities for the Habitable Worlds Observatory so that we may confidently detect biosignatures and rule out abiotic phenomena that may mimic life (false positives).

Ben Pearce
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

My lab will conduct experimental research related to the origins of life on Earth and other habitable worlds. For this work we will simulate atmosphere and freshwater pond conditions using spark discharges and wet-dry cycling to produce the building blocks of life. We will analyze these samples with a GC-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Further research in biosignature detection on Solar System bodies via microbial mobility is also being developed.

Kelsey Prissel
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email
My research group studies the geochemistry of planetary surfaces and interiors. This includes experimental and sample-based studies of planetary surfaces to understand how surface chemistry and mineralogy relates to spectroscopic observations, as well as experimental and modeling approaches to define the structure and differentiation of planetary interiors. Our research methods encompass the temperature and pressure conditions present in the mantles and cores of rocky bodies including the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and similar sized exoplanets, as well as the upper mantles of Earth, Venus, and larger exoplanets.

Tabb Prissel
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

My research focuses on the formation and evolution of planetary crusts and interiors with perspective rooted in sample science including the Apollo collection, achondrite meteorites, and future Artemis and Mars sample return. My work then integrates experimental petrology, orbital mission data, and both geochemical and geophysical modeling to explore the igneous evolution of the Earth, terrestrial planets and moons, and differentiated bodies throughout the solar system.

Mike Sori
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email
We study planetary geophysics of the large, solid, rocky and icy worlds across our Solar System. Our work uses data returned by NASA robotic spacecraft missions and numerical simulations. Research questions we address include: (1) What are the interior structures of the planets and moons of our Solar System, and how have they evolved over time? (2) What are the connections between planetary interiors and surfaces, and what do surface features tell us about a world's evolution and interior processes? (3) What do ices on planetary surfaces tell us about the history of climate or volatile transport on that world? (4) How can we address the questions above with spacecraft missions?

Michelle Thompson
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

We study the chemistry and microstructure of planetary materials to understand the evolution of solar system bodies over the past 4.5 billion years. We use a combination of returned sample analysis, laboratory experiments, and planetary exploration missions to better understand the diversity of planetary building blocks in our solar system. Our group is involved in the OSIRIS-REx mission which returned samples from asteroid Bennu and analyzes samples from across the solar system, including meteorites, lunar samples, and materials from asteroids Itokawa and Ryugu.

Marissa Tremblay
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

The Thermochronology @ Purdue research group makes measurements of noble gases in minerals and rocks from the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. We use these noble gas observations to understand the thermal evolution and exposure histories of these bodies to the space environment, which constrains the bodies' impact histories, past presence of water, and orbital trajectories.

Roger Wiens
Department: Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Email

My team operates a 10 cm aperture telescope on Mars, normally used for geological observations but also for atmospheric observations. We are also involved in instrument development for future planetary missions.

Now Accepting Applications

The 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellowship is accepting applications through October 3, 2025.

Learn more about the application process and how to apply here.

Associated Centers, Labs, & Groups

Purdue University is among the leading research institutions with its world-renowned faculty and more than 400 research laboratories. The following research centers and institutes are some of the many available facilities for use by our 51 Pegasi b fellows.

Discovery Park

Outreach

Outreach is anintegral part of this fellowship and Purdue University's College of Science has a dedicated team of k-12 Outreach Coordicators to help our fellows with successful outreach missions. Learn more about out outreach here.

What the fellowship provides

Up to $450,000 of support for independent research over three years with the option to apply for a fourth year of funding assuming satisfactory progress.
Time and space to establish distinction and leadership in the field.
Mentorship by an established faculty member at the host institution.
An annual summit to develop professional networks, exchange information and ideas, and foster collaboration.

More information about the fellowship

The 51 Pegasi b has guidlines and a stringent application process. Learn more about that process here.