Regina DeWitt

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About

Dr. Regina DeWitt is a leading figure in the application of luminescence dating techniques to planetary science, with a particular focus on in-situ geochronology for Mars. Her most notable contribution is the development of the ODIN (Optically Stimulated Luminescence Instrument) prototype, a groundbreaking robotic reader designed to date Martian regolith directly on the planet’s surface. This work, detailed in her highly cited 2011 paper, addresses the critical challenge of understanding the recent geological history of Mars by providing a means to determine when sediments were last exposed to sunlight. By adapting established terrestrial luminescence methods for the harsh Martian environment, Dr. DeWitt has opened a new frontier in planetary exploration, enabling scientists to constrain the timing of aeolian activity, glacial processes, and potential habitability windows. Her research bridges the gap between laboratory physics and field robotics, demonstrating how innovative instrumentation can solve fundamental questions in planetary geology. With her work laying the groundwork for future missions, Dr. DeWitt’s contributions are essential for any researcher interested in the chronology of planetary surfaces.