I am interested in understanding the evolutionary, tectonic, geodynamic, and geophysical processes of planetary bodies. My work includes analyses of altimetry, gravity, geomorphology, and tectonics to determine the structure, surface, and atmospheric and internal evolution of these bodies. Thus far, my research has focused on the investigation of the Earth, Moon, Mercury and Mars. Additionally, I have also been involved in the design, development, and implementation of planetary exploration missions.

Examples of Alex’s research can be found here. >>

In my research, I seek to couple computational modeling and observational data to elucidate the complex histories of planetary interiors and surfaces. To that end, my research is concentrated in three distinct, yet interrelated focus areas, as described below.

First, with the exception of Earth, the absence of reliable seismic data poses a challenge in determining the internal structure and composition of solid planetary bodies. Nevertheless, gravity data can be used to provide insight into their internal mass distributions and physical states. In concert with observational datasets, I am interested in understanding the internal dynamics of planetary bodies to deduce the mantle and core evolutionary, compositional, and thermal histories. Observational data paired with modeling can provide unparalleled insight into the development of planetary bodies and can be reconciled with known processes (e.g., cooling, crustal formation, magma ocean formation).

Second, in the absence of continual and prevalent modification, the surfaces of the solid planetary bodies can chronicle the influential mechanisms and processes responsible for their present physiographic and internal states. In using planetary mission data, I am working to decipher such mechanisms and processes in order to illuminate the geodynamic, compositional, thermal, and chronological evolution of planetary bodies.

Third, to address one of the major mysteries of planetary science – the possible existence of extraterrestrial life – I aim to characterize the environments and conditions on planetary bodies that are or may have been conducive to the evolution of life. The first aspect of this focus area emphasizes the potential mechanisms and processes responsible for water loss and refines estimates of initial and present-day water inventories for the inner planets.  The significance of water is three-fold:  (1) water (hydrogen) enrichment in planetary mantles, even in small concentrations, can considerably influence melting, convection, and secular cooling; (2) surface water can have an enduring effect on planetary geomorphology; and, as it pertains to life, (3) water is a necessary ingredient for known life and its origin and availability in the early Solar System place an important constraint on environments capable of sustaining life. For the second aspect of this focus area, I plan to use my background in geobiology to characterize the available metabolic pathways that would be available on planetary bodies, especially the icy bodies of the outer Solar System.

In each of the aforementioned research areas, I couple the planetary mission data with modeling to enhance understanding of planetary evolution.  My work capitalizes on planetary mission data to provide greater insight into the evolution of planetary interiors, the mechanisms and processes operating on planetary surfaces, and the planetary environments capable of sustaining life.

Columbia University, Provost’s Postdoctoral Research Scholar, 2013
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Presidential Fellow Award, 2007

Alex is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University. Prior to joining Brown, Alex worked as a postdoctoral research associate with Professor Jeffrey C. Andrews-Hanna at the University of Arizona – Lunar & Planetary Laboratory (LPL) (transferred from Southwest Research Institute and Colorado School of Mines) investigating the surface and interior of planetary bodies using data from planetary missions, such as GRAIL and LRO.  He also held a Postdoctoral Research Scientist position at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), a research unit of Columbia University, where he worked with Director Sean Solomon on investigating interiors and surfaces of Mercury and the Moon on the MESSENGER, GRAIL, and LRO missions. Prior to joining LDEO, Alex was a postdoctoral research associate and graduate student in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) working with Professor Maria T. Zuber on the GRAIL & LRO missions. In 2013, he completed his Ph.D. in Planetary Geophysics and Geodynamics at MIT  under the direction of Professor Maria T. Zuber. Alex’s thesis research covered investigations of Martian crustal evolution, lava-flooded craters on the Moon, and the influence of water in the early thermal history of the Moon using data from past and current NASA missions.

Organizational Affiliations
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
International Music by Women Festival

My pedagogical philosophy is grounded in my student experience and previous roles as a teaching assistant, lecturer, mentor, and advisor.  My philosophy is founded on the ideal that a comprehensive teaching approach should address a diversity of learning styles, intellectually challenge students, and promote intellectual curiosity. From teaching general science to advanced microbiology and geophysics in one-on-one, laboratory, classroom, and in-the-field settings, I believe it is not only the goal of a teacher to instruct on core content, but more: (1) to enable students to apply concepts within and beyond the scope presented via instruction;  (2) to empower students to be intellectually rigorous, especially with regard to underlying assumptions and limitations; and, (3) to promote learning by providing a forum for students to synthesize the relevant concepts.