AUDREY’S BIOGRAPHY

I attained my bachelor’s degree in Planetary Science from Purdue University in 2023. During my time there I focused on Martian surface processes beginning with looking at the mechanisms of paleo-flood hydrology. After finding an interest in ancient fluvial processes, I did research with Dr. Michael Sori looking at superimposed craters as a window into the formation of ice mounds in the southern hemisphere. After graduating from Purdue, I wanted to take a year or two off before going back to school for a PhD, so I was offered the position at FSI to manage Julie’s Small Bodies Lab. My role here is a mixture between project managing several ongoing analyses looking at mechanic properties of simulants. I also am the one who interviews new students to come into the lab and work with us during their time at UCF. I have begun to propose a new project of my own in the lab with consists of mixing Exolith’s MGS-1 simulant with salt and ice to mimic the composition of the northern polar region of Mars. By doing this I plan on measuring the angle of repose as well as shearing the material to determine the angle of internal friction to compare it to the Pheonix lander’s findings. We have not yet sent back a rover to the polar caps of Mars since the Pheonix mission and understanding the strength of material in that area is vital when sending a rover there.