Rebecca J. Thomas
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Rebecca J. Thomas is a planetary scientist whose work focuses on optimizing robotic exploration protocols for Mars and other extraterrestrial environments. Her key research areas include rover operations, sample selection strategies, and the development of field-testing methodologies that simulate real mission constraints. Thomas is best known for her leadership in the GeoHeuristic Operational Strategies Test (GHOST) program, which systematically evaluates how science teams can make efficient, data-driven decisions during rover missions. Her most-cited paper, "Testing the efficiency of rover science protocols for robotic sample selection," presents findings from field tests at a Mars 2020 landing site analog, where she compared two Mars Science Laboratory decision-making methods to assess their impact on data quality and operational speed. While her citation counts are still growing—reflecting the emerging nature of her work—Thomas’s contributions are highly influential within the planetary science community, particularly for informing future mission planning. Her research bridges the gap between field geology and robotic autonomy, helping to shape how scientists will select samples on Mars. Thomas’s work is essential reading for students and researchers interested in the intersection of planetary exploration, human-robot teaming, and mission operations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1