Center for Planetary Science and Exploration

Group photo of faculty

The Center for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSE) is dedicated to advancing knowledge, exploration, and education about the solar system and its planetary bodies. The center unites the university’s experts in science, engineering, and education, and aims to build internal and external collaborative projects to deepen humanity’s understanding of the Solar System. Through this work, we strive to advance scientific discoveries and innovative applications on planet Earth and beyond

Overview

The Center for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSE) serves as a collaborative hub for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and education about the solar system. By bringing together faculty and students from various fields, CPSE aims to enhance understanding of our solar system while developing innovative educational programs and public engagement initiatives. The center seeks to establish partnerships both within the university and with external organizations to support medium- to large-scale research and development projects. Through its efforts, the CPSE aspires to contribute to significant scientific advancements that benefit both space exploration and life on Earth.

1621 Cumberland Avenue
602 Strong Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-1526

People

headshot photo

Benjamin Blaylock

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science


headshot photo

Sandra Bogetic

Nuclear Engineering


headshot photo

Margaret Lazarus Dean

English


headshot photo

Nicholas Dygert

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Chris Fedo

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Lawrence Heilbronn

Nuclear Engineering


headshot photo

Hannah Herrero

Geography and Sustainability


headshot photo

William R. Hix (Raph)

Physics and Astronomy


headshot photo

Shichun Huang

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Robert Jacobsen

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Hannah Herrero

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Sean Lindsay

Physics and Astronomy


headshot photo

Molly McCanta

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Nicole McFarlane

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science


headshot photo

Harry McSween

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Jill Mikucki

Microbiology


headshot photo

Jeffrey Moersch

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Mona Papeş

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology


headshot photo

Anna Szynkiewicz

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Stephanie TerMaath

Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering


headshot photo

Bradley Thomson

Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences


headshot photo

Lawrence Townsend

Nuclear Engineering


headshot photo

Kellie Walters

Plant Sciences


headshot photo

Nicholas Wierschem

Civil and Environmental Engineering


Programs

CPSE meets monthly for a lunchtime seminar to provide faculty and students from diverse disciplines with opportunities to connect, share research, and explore new collaborations in planetary science and exploration.
Additionally, the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium shares the same home department as CPSE and supports a strong public outreach mission as well as undergraduate research programs.

Request Information

If you would like more information about CPSE or would like to join our monthly gatherings, please contact CPSE Director, Prof. Jeff Moersch.