ESP Biography



GRACE FANSON, Third year PhD student studying planetary science



Major: EAPS

College/Employer: MIT

Year of Graduation: G

Picture of Grace Fanson

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I study planetary surface evolution with the goal of understanding how planetary bodies have developed into their present-day states. My work integrates a range of research methods including numerical modeling, remote sensing data analysis, and field studies at terrestrial analog sites to explore surface processes. I am
particularly interested in developing our understanding of the early water cycle on Mars and investigating the dynamics of icy shells on ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S16234: A tour of the terrestrial planets in Splash Fall 2025 (Nov. 22 - 23, 2025)
Ever wondered what it would look like to walk across Mars, Venus, or Mercury? In this 50 minute crash course, we’ll take a fast-paced tour of the rocky worlds in our solar system, exploring their mountains, canyons, volcanoes, craters, and mysterious landscapes. Along the way, you’ll see how planetary scientists “read” the surface of a planet to uncover its history. After our tour, you’ll have the opportunity to examine real meteorites, create your own impact craters, and test your news skill by interpreting real images and data from other planets. Whether you’re into space exploration, geology, or just curious about what other worlds look like, this class will give you a fresh perspective on the planets closest to home.