My research focuses on understanding the evolution of small planetary bodies, primarily primitive (unmelted) asteroids. Specifically, I study the thermal evolution of these objects to better understand the conditions under which our solar system formed. Because asteroids reside in outer space and cannot be directly sampled, they must be studied either by using remote sensing techniques (e.g., Earth-based telescopes or spacecraft instruments) or through laboratory analyses of meteorites (pieces of asteroids that have fallen to Earth). As a geologist, my passion lies in traditional laboratory analyses of planetary materials. However, as a planetary scientist, I am keenly aware of the critical role that remote sensing plays in solar-system research. Thus, I incorporate both methods into my research. I often combine the two approaches to make linkages between meteorites and their parent asteroids, and to improve remote sensing techniques. Combining these techniques allows for better interpretation of asteroid surface compositions.
