Marianne Mader is a field geologist with a BSc and MSc in Earth Sciences and an MSc in Space Studies from the International Space University (ISU). She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Western Ontario which incorporates her two main research interests: planetary exploration (both human and robotic) and geological mapping in remote environments. She received the Lunar Planetary Institute Early Career Development Award in 2011. She was also selected for the 2012-2013 ANSMET team to search for meteorites in Antarctica (http://artscilabs.case.edu/ansmet/).
In addition to research, Marianne is passionate about public engagement and science outreach. She is an outreach presenter for the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration, UWO, a Canadian Rep for the Yuri’s Night Global Executive Team, Co-Organizer for Canada’s first SpaceUp (unconference) in 2012, and a Co-Founder of the non-profit Maker Kids (www.makerkids.ca) – Canada’s first MakerSpace dedicated to youth.
Research Focus and Activities
• Insight into lunar impact cratering processes based on terrestrial field mapping
• Optimizing lunar sample return
• Science data management during real-time geological lunar missions
• Exploring other world’s by exploring our own: Bringing Earth and planetary science to the public
• Using analogue missions to develop lunar exploration strategies.
Marianne has participated in the following Planetary Analogue Activities:
- 2010-2011 Lunar Robotic Precursor and Human Follow-On Analogue Missions, Mistastin Lake Impact structure, Labrador
- 2011 Robotic Sample Return Analogue Mission, Sudbury Impact structure, ON
- 2011 Mars Analogue Research: Signatures of Life in Freshwater Environments, Pavilion Lake Research Project, Kelly Lake, BC
- 2010 MDA Mars Sample Return Technical Deployment, SP Crater, Arizona
- 2008 CSA Planetary Analogue Research, Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut
- 2007 CSA Planetary Analogue Research, Haughton-Mars Project, Devon Island