Carina Lee
Papers
1
Total Citations
35
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Carina Lee is a pioneering planetary scientist whose work bridges astrobiology, space instrumentation, and the future of human exploration beyond Earth. She is best known for her integral role in NASA’s Mars 2020 mission, where she led the design, operations, and outreach efforts for the SHERLOC calibration target—a critical component of the Perseverance rover’s arm-mounted instrument. This target enables the precise detection of organic compounds and minerals through Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, directly supporting the search for signs of ancient microbial life on Mars. Her 2022 paper detailing the target’s design and dual-purpose function—serving both scientific calibration and public engagement—has garnered 35 citations, reflecting its importance to the planetary science community. Beyond technical contributions, Dr. Lee has championed the integration of human exploration goals into robotic missions, envisioning how such calibration targets could aid future astronauts. Her work exemplifies how meticulous engineering and visionary thinking can expand our understanding of Mars while laying groundwork for humanity’s next giant leap.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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