Laura Kerber
Papers
1
Total Citations
32
H-Index
1
About
Laura Kerber is a planetary geologist whose research bridges the gap between Earth and other worlds, with a focus on the volcanic and sedimentary processes that shape planetary surfaces. Her work spans the Moon, Mars, and Venus, exploring everything from lunar pits and lava tubes to the formation of Martian deserts and the enigmatic tesserae of Venus. Kerber is perhaps best known for her leadership of the Moon Diver mission concept, a proposed Discovery-class mission that would send a robotic explorer into a deep lunar pit to study exposed layers of ancient lava flows, offering a direct window into the Moon’s volcanic history. This concept, detailed in her highly cited 2019 paper (32 citations), exemplifies her talent for designing bold, sample-return-equivalent science without leaving the surface. Her broader impact is reflected in a strong citation record across dozens of publications, and she has been recognized with NASA’s Early Career Fellowship and the prestigious Harold C. Urey Prize. Kerber’s work inspires a new generation of planetary scientists to think creatively about how to explore the most inaccessible—and revealing—places in the Solar System.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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