G. J. Taylor: Professional History 

EDUCATION
A.B.: May, 1966, Colgate University (physics).
M.A.: May, 1968, Rice University (geology).
Ph.D.: May, 1970, Rice University (geology). 

SCIENTIFIC WORK

  • Main emphasis is on the petrology and chemistry of lunar samples and meteorites, and in using these as ground truth for remote sensing studies.
  • Studies geared to understanding the processes involved in planetary evolution, including nebular and parent body alteration, impact, accretion, and core formation.
  • As a participating scientist on the Mars Odyssey mission (Gamma-Ray Spectrometer Team), focus on Martian crustal composition, igneous evolution, and aqueous history.
  • Lunar research has concentrated on the nature and formation of mare basalt magmas, the origin of igneous lithologies in the lunar highlands, and the bulk composition of the Moon.
  • Recent meteorite research focuses on the nature of Martian volcanism as revealed by SNC meteorites, and the nature and geologic history of the eucrite parent body.
  • Volcanic processes on the Earth and other planets, using both field measurements and petrologic analysis. Emphasis on dynamics inside lava flows, as revealed by fractal shapes of lava flow margins and nucleation conditions inside lava flows.
  • Actively involved in planning future missions to the Moon and Mars, in the use of robotics for field geological studies, and developing methods to prospect for resources on the Moon and Mars.

POSITIONS HELD
 

1970-1973:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
and Harvard College Observatory, Cambridge, Mass. 

1973-1976:

Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and
Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. 

1976-1990:

Senior Research Scientist, Institute of Meteoritics and
Department of Geology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M. 

1986-1990:

Assistant Director, Institute of Meteoritics 

1990-present:

Professor, Planetary Geosciences, Hawai'i Institute of
Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i. 

1998-2002

Director, Hawai`i Space Grant Consortium

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Harvey Picker Physics Prize, Colgate University, 1966. 
  • NDEA Fellowship, Rice University, 1966-1969. 
  • Nininger Meteorite Prize, 1968. 
  • Sigma Xi Award for Graduate Research, Rice University, 1970. 
  • A Close Look at the Moon selected as one of the outstanding science books for children in 1980 by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Book Council. 
  • Volcanoes in Our Solar System selected as one of the outstanding science books for children in 1983 by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Book Council. 

NATIONAL COMMITTEES

  • Member (1979-1980), Lunar and Planetary Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Group Chief (1981), Lunar and Planetary Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Member (1980-1989), Lunar and Planetary Sample Team (NASA). 
  • Chair (1986-1989), Lunar and Planetary Sample Team (NASA) 
  • Chair (1983-1986), Lunar and Planetary Geosciences Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Member (1984-1986), Lunar Base Steering Committee (NASA). 
  • Member (1985-1986), Lunar Geosciences Observer Workshop (JPL). 
  • Member (1985-1986), Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous Workshop (JPL). 
  • Member (1987-1990), Committee on Planetary and Lunar Exploration (NAS). 
  • Member (1988-1992), Lunar Exploration Science Working Group (NASA). 
  • Chair (1992-1994, Lunar Exploration Science Working Group (NASA). 
  • Member (1992-1994), Solar System Exploration Subcommittee (NASA). 
  • Member (1994-present), Terrestrial Planetary Bodies Science Working Group (NASA). 
  • Member (1995), Lunar and Planetary Geosciences Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Chair (1996-present), Research Outreach Coordination Group (NASA). 
  • Group Chief (1997), Cosmochemistry Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Chair (1998 to present), Cosmochemistry Review Panel (NASA). 
  • Member (1999 to present), Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (NASA).
  • Member (2000–2002), Executive Committee, National Space Grant Directors Council 
  • Member (2000-present),  Board of Directors, National Space Grant Foundation.
  • Member (2001 to present), Board of Directors, Space Resources Roundtable, Inc.
  • Member (2002)), Mars Smart lander Science Advisory Group(NASA).
  • Member (1999–present), Mars Exploration Payload Analysis Group (NASA).
  • Member (2002–2003), Mars Science Laboratory PSIG (NASA/JPL).
  • Chair (2002 to 2004), Mars Fundamental Research Program Review Panel (NASA).
  • Chair (2003 to present), Goals Revision Committee, Mars Exploration Program Assessment Group (NASA/JPL)
  • Member (2005), Robotic and Lunar Exploration Strategy Roadmapping Committee (NASA)
  • Co-Chair (2005), Human Exploration Systems and Mobility Capabilities Roadmapping Team (NASA)
     

ORGANIZATIONAL AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES (selected) 

  • Co-convenor of Workshop on Lunar Breccias and Soils and Their Meteoritic Analogs,November 9-11, 1981, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX. 
  • Member, Organizing Committee, 47th Annual Meteoritical Society Meeting, July 30-August 2, 1984, Albuquerque, NM. 
  • Co-organizer, Conference on the Origin of the Moon, October 13-16, 1984, Kona, HI. 
  • Member, Program Committee, Symposium on Lunar Bases and Space Activities in the 21st Century, October 29-31, 1984, Washington, DC. 
  • Co-organizer, Symposium on Lunar Geoscience Observer and Future Lunar Exploration, held during the 18th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 17, 1987, Houston, TX. 
  • Organizer, Workshop on Geoscience from a Lunar Base, August, 1988. 
  • Co-convenor, Workshop on Moon in Transition, November 1988, Lunar and Planetary Inst., Houston, TX. 
  • Associate Editor, Journal of Geophysical Research--Planets, 1991-1995. 

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Assistant Director, Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico
    • Advised Director on directions and priorities of scientific research
    • Hired clerical and technical personnel
    • Personnel evaluations
    • Assisted in devising and managing budet ($500,000 per year)
  • University of Hawai‘i
    • Manage research grants, including supervision of students and an educational specialist
    • Associate Director of Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium (fellowship program; developed successful summer workshop for teachers)
    • Director, Hawai‘i Space Grant Consortium (overall responsibility for program on nine campuses)
    • Manage program to publish a science magazine on the world wide web
  • NASA Committees
    • Chaired Lunar and Planetary Geosciences Review Panel (33 members divided into six groups)
    • Chaired Lunar and Planetary Sample Team (nine members)
    • Chaired Lunar Exploration Science Working Group (13 members)
    • Chaired Research Outreach Coordination Group (10 members)
    • Current chair of Cosmochemistry Review Panel (19 members)

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