Laurie Leshin

Laurie Leshin
Name	Laurie Leshin
Nationality	American
Fields	Geochemistry, Planetary science
Workplaces	Worcester Polytechnic Institute, NASA, Arizona State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Alma mater	Arizona State University, California Institute of Technology
Known for	Martian meteorite research, leadership in space exploration
Awards	NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, Wetherill Medal

Laurie Leshin is an American geochemist and space scientist recognized for her pioneering research on water and volatiles in the Solar System, particularly on Mars and in meteorites. She has held significant leadership roles in academia and at NASA, including serving as the director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and as president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her career bridges fundamental planetary science and the execution of major space exploration missions.

Early life and education

Leshin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Arizona State University, where her interest in planetary materials began. She then pursued her Ph.D. in geochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, completing groundbreaking dissertation research on isotopic systems in meteorites. Her early work established methodologies for analyzing tiny samples of extraterrestrial material, setting the stage for her future contributions to planetary science.

Career

Her academic career began with a faculty position in the Department of Geological Sciences at Arizona State University, where she helped establish its renowned Center for Meteorite Studies. She later moved to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as a senior scientist, deepening her involvement in space mission science. Leshin subsequently served as dean of the School of Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before being appointed director of science and exploration at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. In 2014, she became the first woman to lead Worcester Polytechnic Institute as its president.

Research and scientific contributions

Leshin's research has fundamentally advanced understanding of water in the Solar System. She conducted seminal studies on the Martian meteorite ALH 84001, investigating its hydrogen isotopic composition to trace the history of Martian water. Her work on the Sutter's Mill meteorite provided key evidence for the widespread distribution of water in the early Solar System. These geochemical techniques have been critical for interpreting data returned by missions like NASA's Mars Science Laboratory and the Mars Exploration Rovers.

Leadership at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

As the 16th president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Leshin championed the university's project-based learning model and expanded its global research footprint. She led strategic initiatives to enhance STEM education and fostered partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, including DARPA and the Department of Energy. Under her leadership, Worcester Polytechnic Institute saw significant growth in research expenditures and strengthened its programs in robotics, life sciences, and data science.

NASA involvement and Mars exploration

Leshin has held several pivotal roles at NASA. She served as deputy director for science and technology at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, overseeing the science portfolio for numerous missions. She was a key interdisciplinary scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which deployed the Curiosity rover, and contributed to the sample analysis strategy for its Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite. Her expertise was also integral to the Mars 2020 mission planning and the activities of the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Awards and honors

Leshin's contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. She received the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, the agency's highest honor for a non-government individual. The Franklin Institute awarded her the Wetherill Medal for her innovations in geochemical research. She is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Meteoritical Society. An asteroid, 4922 Leshin, is named in her honor.

Category:American geochemists Category:Planetary scientists Category:NASA people Category:Worcester Polytechnic Institute