Roger Wiens

Dr. Roger Wiens is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, where he also holds a courtesy appointment in Aerospace and Astronautical Engineering. In addition to his academic roles, he serves as a Senior Fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), contributing significantly to the field of planetary science with a particular focus on Mars exploration. His research interests span cosmochemistry, instrument development, and advanced spectroscopic techniques, including laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Dr. Wiens has an impressive track record of involvement in major space missions. He played pivotal roles in the Genesis mission and was instrumental in the development and deployment of the ChemCam instrument on the Curiosity Mars rover. His expertise further extended to the SuperCam and SHERLOC instruments on the Perseverance Mars rover, where he served as either Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator. These contributions have been critical in advancing our understanding of Martian geology and chemistry. Throughout his career, Dr. Wiens has been the recipient of numerous accolades that underscore his contributions to science and engineering. Among these, he was awarded the prestigious R&D 100 Award and received a patent for the OrganiCam invention in 2020. His exceptional work was also recognized with the Los Alamos National Laboratory Distinguished Performance Award in 2019 and the NASA Leadership Individual Award in 2014. These honors reflect his innovative approach and leadership in the field. Dr. Wiens's scientific achievements have been widely acknowledged in leading scientific journals, including Nature and Science, where his discoveries have been featured. His work not only advances our understanding of planetary bodies but also contributes to the development of cutting-edge technologies for space exploration. His dedication to both research and education continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. In addition to his research and academic commitments, Dr. Wiens is actively involved in mentoring students and young researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. His passion for science communication and public engagement is evident in his efforts to make complex scientific concepts accessible to broader audiences. Through his work, Dr. Wiens remains at the forefront of planetary science, driving forward the exploration of our solar system and beyond.