Support U.S. research during COVID-19

Science · 2020 · 1 citations

• Political Science
• Business
• Public relations

Colleges and universities are critical components of the U.S. innovation ecosystem. These institutions are called upon to play ever-evolving roles in building talent for a changing workforce; achieving scientific breakthroughs; creating new technologies, products, and companies; and contributing to local economic development. Yet, as the pace of change accelerates across our economy, federal and state budget constraints have made meeting these expectations increasingly challenging. The federal commitment to research and development stands at a multidecadal low as a percentage of GDP (1). Now, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted almost all aspects of higher education, including the ability to keep laboratories open, conduct research in a timely manner, collect and process data, and collaborate with colleagues and students.

Embracing Impact: Remaking Promotion Criteria at WPI to Reflect the Breadth of Scholarly Work

AGUFM · 2018-12-01

A Low-Cost, Low-Risk Mission Concept for the Return of Martian Atmospheric Dust: Relevance to Human Exploration of Mars

2017-06-01

Seeking Habitable Environments in Our Solar System: Curiosity on Mars

Molecular Frontiers Journal · 2017-05-17 · 34 citations

Exploring space is one of humankind’s great endeavors, leading to technological innovation and discoveries that have the potential to answer the most fundamental human questions such as: Are We Alone in the Universe? NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover landed on Mars in 2012. With its highly advanced suite of cameras and sensors, Mars Curiosity has revealed an ancient Mars that billions of years ago would have been a hospitable habitat for simple life. Although we haven’t yet discovered that life previously existed on Mars, Curiosity continues to provide a window into our neighboring planet’s history that motivates expanded exploration by future robotic spacecraft as well as eventual crewed missions.

FROM SNC METEORITES TO THE CURIOSITY ROVER: INSIGHTS INTO MARTIAN PETROLOGY AND VOLATILES

Abstracts with programs - Geological Society of America · 2017-01-01

Making an Impact: Stories, Tips, and Lessons Learned from Collaborating with Communities III Posters

2016 AGU Fall Meeting · 2016-12-15

Making an Impact: Stories, Tips, and Lessons Learned from Collaborating with Communities I

2016 AGU Fall Meeting · 2016-12-13

Building Partnerships to Address Community Geoscience Priorities: A Brief History of the Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) Model and its Evolution

AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts · 2016-12-01

Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars

Journal of Geophysical Research Planets · 2015-03-01 · 490 citations

Abstract The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of the atmosphere and the surface regolith and rocks to help evaluate the past and present habitability potential of Mars at Gale Crater. Central to this task is the development of an inventory of any organic molecules present to elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, and long‐term preservation. This will guide the future search for biosignatures. Here we report the definitive identification of chlorobenzene (150–300 parts per billion by weight (ppbw)) and C 2 to C 4 dichloroalkanes (up to 70 ppbw) with the SAM gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) and detection of chlorobenzene in the direct evolved gas analysis (EGA) mode, in multiple portions of the fines from the Cumberland drill hole in the Sheepbed mudstone at Yellowknife Bay. When combined with GCMS and EGA data from multiple scooped and drilled samples, blank runs, and supporting laboratory analog studies, the elevated levels of chlorobenzene and the dichloroalkanes cannot be solely explained by instrument background sources known to be present in SAM. We conclude that these chlorinated hydrocarbons are the reaction products of Martian chlorine and organic carbon derived from Martian sources (e.g., igneous, hydrothermal, atmospheric, or biological) or exogenous sources such as meteorites, comets, or interplanetary dust particles.

Elevating WPI’s Impact and Value: Ideas from Strategic Planning

Digital WPI · 2015-01-01

President Leshin held a Town Hall-style meeting with the WPI community on April 14 to provide information about the latest efforts with the university’s strategic planning process.\nFollowing this meeting, the WPI community was invited to attend a number of strategy café sessions at the Goat’s Head Restaurant focused on different aspects of the strategic plan.