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About

Dr. Cathleen M. Harris is a leading figure in planetary science and astrobiology, specializing in the development and application of in-situ spectroscopic instruments for Mars exploration. Her most significant contributions stem from her pivotal role in the design and scientific operation of two groundbreaking instruments aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover. She is a key investigator for the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument, which uses deep-UV Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy to map organic compounds and minerals on the Martian surface. Her work on SHERLOC, detailed in a highly cited 2021 paper (237 citations), has been critical in guiding the rover’s search for signs of ancient microbial life. Additionally, Dr. Harris has contributed to the PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-Ray Lithochemistry) instrument, which provides fine-scale elemental chemistry. Her research directly impacts our understanding of Mars’ past habitability, and her leadership in these high-profile NASA missions has made her a respected authority in planetary instrumentation, with her work shaping the future of extraterrestrial exploration.