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We use noble gas geochemistry to study the physical and chemical processes shaping the surfaces of Earth and other planets.

 Some of the scientific problems our work addresses include:

  • how the Earth’s climate changed during the geologic past
  • how tectonic and geomorphic processes interact to shape topography
  • the impact history of the Moon and other planetary bodies in the inner Solar System
  • rates of volcanism and interactions between volcanism and Earth’s climate system

We also conduct basic experimental research on the kinetics of noble gas diffusion in minerals, which has broad significance across both Earth and planetary science disciplines. To learn more about the current and recent research efforts of T@P, check out our Research page.

Recent Lab News

T@P goes to Canada for DINGUE and Goldschmidt

July 2025: Marissa and Ryan traveled to Canada to attend the DINGUE IX meeting in Ottawa followed by the V.M. Goldschmidt Conference in Montreal, presenting workperformed in the T@P mass spectrometry facility on enstatite chondrites and on charge collection amplifier performance . At DINGUE, recent T@P alumnus Dr. Hongcheng Guo was also awarded the Pete Burnard Award for the work he conducted during his postdoc at Purdue and his prior Ph.D. work at Lehigh. The Pete Burnard Award recognizes an early-career scientist (max 8 years after PhD), who has made a significant contribution to the analytical development and advancement of noble gas measurements. The award was established in honour of noble gas geochemist Pete Burnard, who passed away too soon, in 2015. Congrats, Hongcheng!

 Photos from DINGUE IX

Marissa gives her tenure talk in Purdue EAPS

September 2025: Marissa delivered her tenure talk to faculty and students of the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue. Marissa's part in the tenure process is done; now she just waits for her colleagues to decide her fate!

Marissa standing with her talk title slide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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