Sharon Wilson Purdy Geologist Center for Earth and Planetary Studies National Air and Space Museum purdys@si.edu

I joined the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies in 2005 and study the geology, geomorphology and evolution of the Martian surface. Specific research interests include layered deposits on Mars, the rock distribution and evolution of the Gusev plains, geologic mapping, crater degradation and gully formation. I am involved in targeting, data analysis and interpretation of images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission and the landing site selection process for the Mars Science Laboratory scheduled to launch in late 2009.

I earned my M.S. from the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia in 2005 and a B.A. in Geology from Middlebury College in 2001.

Some of my other interests include running, teaching, watching football, sewing and baking.

Sharon Wilson Purdy's CV (PDF)