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Dr. MARION NACHON
Dr. MARION NACHON
Dr. Marion Nachon is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University and a lecturer in Planetary Geology. Her work focuses on planetary geosciences, Mars rover missions, and space analog robotic missions.
Dr. Nachon was one of 13 Participating Scientists selected by NASA for the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission. In this role, she supports mission science operations and conducts research using data from Perseverance instruments, including PIXL, SuperCam, and Mastcam-Z, to characterize Mars’ geological record at the millimetric and micrometric scale. She has also served in rover operations roles and contributed to geological mapping efforts in Jezero crater.
She previously worked as a science collaborator on NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission with the Curiosity rover, contributing to multiple instrument teams including ChemCam, Mastcam, MAHLI, and MARDI. Her experience spans data analysis, science operations support, and coordination within large, interdisciplinary mission teams.
Dr. Nachon earned her Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Université de Nantes in France, where her research focused on Martian surface chemistry and mineralogy using ChemCam and LIBS data. Her work also includes leadership and collaboration on NASA-funded space analog missions and field campaigns that connect planetary science, robotics, and mission operations.
February 18, 2026 | 6:30-8pm @ CHEN 111
Dr. ROBERT KENNICUTT
Dr. ROBERT KENNICUTT
Robert C. Kennicutt Jr. is a Professor of Astronomy at Texas A&M University, Executive Director of the Mitchell Institute for Fundamental Physics and Astronomy, and Laureate Professor at the University of Arizona. He is one of the most widely recognized leaders in modern astronomy and astrophysics, with decades of experience spanning research, institutional leadership, and national science planning.
Dr. Kennicutt’s research focuses on observations of galaxies, with the goal of understanding how galaxies form and evolve. His work has developed widely used methods for measuring star formation rates and related physical properties across different galaxy types, environments, and cosmic timescales. His research draws on observations across the electromagnetic spectrum and has involved leadership of large international collaborations using major space observatories including Hubble, Spitzer, Herschel, and GALEX.
In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. Kennicutt has held numerous senior leadership roles, including Director of the Institute of Astronomy and Head of the School of the Physical Sciences at the University of Cambridge, as well as Editor in Chief of The Astrophysical Journal. He has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is the recipient of multiple international awards recognizing his contributions to astrophysics.
Most notably, Dr. Kennicutt served as Co-Chair of the National Academy of Sciences Astro2020 Decadal Survey of Astronomy and Astrophysics, which defines science priorities, mission concepts, and major projects that guide the field for the next decade and beyond.
March 4, 2026 | 6:30-8pm @ CHEN 111
dr. PAUL ABELL
dr. PAUL ABELL
Dr. Paul Abell is the Chief Scientist for Small Body Exploration within the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. He serves as the lead scientist for planetary small bodies and has extensive experience in near Earth object research, mission support, and exploration planning.
Dr. Abell’s work focuses on the physical characterization of near Earth objects using ground based and spacecraft observations, the examination of NEOs for future robotic and human exploration, and the identification of potential resources within the NEO population. He has studied potentially hazardous asteroids and near Earth objects for over 15 years.
He has served in mission roles on multiple international efforts, including as a telemetry officer for NASA’s Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous spacecraft Near Infrared Spectrometer team and as a science team member on JAXA’s Hayabusa near Earth asteroid sample return mission. He was also part of the Hayabusa contingency recovery team and participated in the successful recovery of the sample return capsule in Woomera, Australia in 2010.
Dr. Abell has been a member of internal NASA teams examining the feasibility of human missions to near Earth objects and is the lead committee member of the Small Bodies Assessment Group tasked with identifying human exploration opportunities for NEOs. He has also contributed to NEO identification and characterization efforts through the LSST Solar System Collaboration and has supported NASA field and analog activities including NEEMO and Research and Technology Studies projects.
He earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Master of Science in Space Studies with a geology minor from the University of North Dakota, and a Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy and Physics from Colgate University. Asteroid 8139 (1980 UM1) is named Paulabell in recognition of his contributions to near Earth object research and exploration.
April 1, 2026 | 6:30-8pm @ CHEN 111
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