Dynamic Response of the Environments at Asteroids, the Moon, and moons of Mars

Dr. Jody Keith Wilson

1. What is your role on the DREAM2 team?

I'm studying how the composition of lunar soil affects its interaction with radiation, particularly the effects of elemental abundances on cosmic ray fragmentation.

2. What about DREAM2 do you find most interesting? Most challenging?

I'm fascinated that we're just beginning to discover and understand various dynamic processes on the Moon, an object that for centuries was thought to be dead and unchanging. We're very lucky to be scientists at this time and place.

3. Were you a part of the original DREAM team, funded through the NASA Lunar Science Institute? If so, what was your favorite science result?

Not part of the original team.

4. What other NASA programs or missions have you participated in?

I've studied how thin planetary atmospheres escape to space, with funding from the NASA Planetary Astronomy and NASA Planetary Atmospheres programs. I'm currently a member of NASA's LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) Team.

5. What kind/level of education do you have?

I have a Ph.D. in Planetary, Astrophysical, and Atmospheric Sciences. In college I double-majored in Physics and Astronomy.

6. What advice do you have for students who want to work for NASA or on NASA-related research?

Do well in school!

7. What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing Rock Band, and catching episodes of The Big Bang Theory. One of my hobbies is developing algorithms for timing the stock market, and I'm planning to start an investment newsletter soon.