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S. S. Russell is a planetary scientist whose research focuses on the origin and evolution of the solar system, with a particular emphasis on the Moon and sample return missions. Her major contributions include advocating for new lunar sample return missions to constrain the Moon’s evolutionary history and the inner solar system’s dynamics, as highlighted in her 2019 paper (71 citations), which argues for the transformative scientific value of returned samples. She also advances the concept of “functional analogues” in planetary exploration (2021, 32 citations), providing a framework for testing instruments and interpreting data from remote or robotic missions. As editor of a topical collection on sample return (2020, 12 citations), she has helped shape key questions in planetary science. With over 115 citations across her most influential works, Russell’s research bridges sample analysis and mission planning, offering critical insights for future exploration. Her work is essential reading for students and researchers interested in lunar science, planetary geology, and the strategic role of sample return in addressing fundamental questions about our solar system’s past.