Joe P. Renaud (He / Him; rah-no)
I am a planetary scientist and geophysicist interested in just about anything to do with planets, their geology, geophysics, and dynamics: how they formed, how they evolved, how their insides become their outsides, and so on. Most of my prior work has focused on the study of tidal dynamics --- how gravity causes planets to flex just like we see with Earth's oceans. This flexing converts orbital & rotational energy into heat in the deep interiors of planets and moons. My recent work utilizes remote sensing and mission data to constrain the interiors of planets and moons. Outside of our Solar System, I have applied my geophysics background to estimate the amount of exoplanet outgassing. These estimates can inform which worlds are more or less likely to be habitable, guiding future observations. This work led to new collaborations with observers where I have helped retrieve and characterize exoplanet atmospheric spectra from observations with Hubble and JWST.
An essential component of my work is encouraging and supporting my peers, particularly those from underrepresented groups. I have been a leader and advocate on various DEIA initiatives over the years and plan to continue to learn how best to maintain a welcome, safe, and productive laboratory environment that can be a model to others.