PhD in Geophysical Sciences - Planetary Sciences and Cosmochemistry in Chicago United States | University of Chicago

Our department's planetary research collaborates with and enhances studies across the University of Chicago and the broader Chicago academic community. For instance, a dedicated exoplanet research team comprising members from our department and the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department (including Professors Bean, Fabrycky, Konigl, and Rogers) convenes weekly to analyze cutting-edge developments in exoplanet studies. Additionally, a weekly cosmochemistry seminar features active involvement from Phillip Heck, whose primary affiliation is with the Field Museum. We maintain our tradition of investigating planet formation and early evolution (Dauphas, Ciesla, Davis, Campbell, and Heck) while branching into emerging fields like exoplanet studies and planetary habitability (Abbot, Bean, Fabrycky, Kite, and Rogers). This strategic growth has already yielded successful PhD graduates. Since rocky exoplanet spectroscopy demands substantial telescope resources, the University of Chicago has secured observation time on the Magellan telescopes and serves as a founding partner for the Giant Magellan Telescope—which upon completion will boast five times the light-collecting capacity of any existing telescope. Prospective graduate students with planetary science interests should examine faculty research in both our department and the Astronomy and Astrophysics Department to identify their optimal academic fit before applying.