Chris Haberle, Ph.D.

About Me

I am an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science at Northern Arizona University, where I lead multiple NASA-funded research projects focused on understanding the composition and evolution of planetary surfaces throughout our Solar System. My research combines thermal infrared spectroscopy, advanced data analysis techniques, and field investigations to unravel the geological histories of asteroids, Mars, and the Moon.

I earned my Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration in 2018, where I worked under Dr. Phil Christensen developing innovative approaches to interpret the petrology of planetary surfaces through remote sensing. My dissertation integrated analytical and remote sensing techniques across three complementary areas: the mineralogy and thermal metamorphism of carbonaceous meteorites including the Sutter's Mill fall, terrestrial volcanic analogs from Craters of the Moon National Monument as spectral analogs for lunar and Martian terrains, and thermodynamic modeling of Martian volcanic compositions.

As a member of the OSIRIS-REx mission team since 2010, I have played a key role in characterizing asteroid Bennu's surface composition through thermal emission spectroscopy. Currently serving as Deputy Instrument Scientist for OTES on the extended OSIRIS-APEX mission to asteroid Apophis, I lead science operations planning and thermophysical analysis efforts. My work developing improved emissivity derivation methods for rough planetary surfaces has improved our understanding of Bennu's spectral and thermophysical properties and will be crucial for understanding Apophis during its historic close approach to Earth in 2029.

My research portfolio spans multiple active NASA missions and technology development projects. As Project Manager for the VISIONS instrument on NASA's ESCAPADE mission to Mars, I oversee the development of innovative dual-wavelength imaging systems for planetary exploration. As Principal Investigator of a NASA PSTAR project, I lead field campaigns to terrestrial hot springs, developing autonomous targeting algorithms and spectroscopic techniques to identify biosignatures in silica sinter deposits—work that directly informs our search for evidence of ancient life on Mars.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including Nature Astronomy, Science Advances, and Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. My research has been supported by over $3 million in NASA funding, enabling me to mentor the next generation of planetary scientists through support for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. I am passionate about advancing our understanding of planetary processes through innovative spectroscopic techniques and fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to Solar System exploration.