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Ryan Bradley Anderson

Ryan Anderson is a planetary scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center and science team member on the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rover missions.

Ryan attended the University of Michigan, where he double majored in Physics and Astronomy, and Cornell University where received his PhD in Planetary Science. He conducted a detailed study of Gale crater, the landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory Rover (MSL), and is a member of the ChemCam instrument science team. Ryan is also a member of the science team on the SuperCam instrument on the Perseverance rover. His work with ChemCam and SuperCam focuses on improving the accuracy of the chemistry measurements made by the instruments. In addition to his research and mission operations, Ryan is passionate about communicating science to the public, and serves as Communication Lead for the Astrogeology Science Center. He enjoys teaching and public speaking and for several years ran a planetary science-themed blog called The Martian Chronicles, which was one of the founding blogs of the American Geophysical Union blogosphere. That blog evolved into a group blog hosted by NASA JPL that shares updates on what the Curiosity rover is currently doing.

Professional Experience

  • February 2021 - Present: Perseverance Mars rover operations

  • September 2014 - Present: Physical Scientist, USGS Astrogeology Science Center

  • July 2014 - Present: SuperCam science team member (Perseverance Mars rover)

  • August 2012 - Present: Curiosity Mars rover operations

  • January 2012 - Present: ChemCam science team member (Curiosity Mars rover)

  • January 2012 - September 2014: Shoemaker Postdoctoral Fellow, USGS Astrogeology Science Center

  • 2007 - 2014: Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission operations (Pancam Payload Downlink Lead)

Education and Certifications

  • PhD, Astronomy (Geology minor), Cornell University, 2012

  • B.S., Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Michigan, 2006

  • B.S., Physics, University of Michigan, 2006

Science and Products