Looking for M.S. and Ph.D students starting in Fall 2026/27

I am seeking motivated students interested in planetary tectonics and/or structural geology to join my group at the University of Alabama ideally starting in Fall 2026/27.

  • M.S. students typically complete one publishable research project within 2 years.

  • Ph.D. students are expected to complete and publish three research projects within 4 years

Want to know what’s expected as a graduate student in the group? Read the expectation document!

You can explore my Research and Publications pages to learn more about some of the current projects. My group works across many areas of structural geology/tectonics, planetary geology, and more related fields. I also welcome interdisciplinary projects, such as those intersecting with astronomy or astrobiology, where they align with my expertise, as well as applying machine learning to planetary surface mapping.

Our projects are often centered on mapping remote sensing data and/or fieldwork, with additional components involving rock mechanics calculations, spatial analyses, and modeling.

Preferred skills include:

  • BS/MS degree in Geology, Earth/Planetary Science, Remote Sensing, Geophysics, or related fields

  • A strong background in structural geology and/or planetary science

  • Basic ArcGIS or related experience

  • Some programming and/or data analysis experience (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, etc.)

That said, prior experience is not required—what matters most is the ability to learn quickly and independently :)

Current funding sources: None

New students would have to TA and apply for external funding. Exceptional students may be nominated for UA Graduate Fellowship Funds in the admission process.

Possible funding sources:

If a prospective student is interested in pursuing the above funding opportunities, please communicate this in the introductory email (see below), including a brief description of the proposed external funding source and collaboration interests/plans.  

Prior to applying to the UA Graduate School (https://slate.ua.edu/apply/), interested candidates should contact Dr. Jupiter Hansen via email to discuss potential projects with a summary of their background and research interests, as well as copies of their CV and transcripts. Consideration preference will be given to applications received by January 15, 2026.

Student research mentored

Eunice Leung — Ph.D. student at HKU

“Formation and Tectonics of Venusian Coronae”

Photo: Poster presented at the EGU General Assembly 2024.

Jay Mrazek — undergrad student at UGA

“Investigate the evolution of mixed-mode fracturing at the Koe’a Fault Zone in Hawai”

Photo: Assisted in fieldwork in summer 2022.

Davis Hardin — undergrad student at UGA

“Crater Saturation on Vesta”

Photo: Poster presented at the UGA CURO Symposium 2023.