Research Areas
Atmospheric Sciences
We study extreme weather, climate change, and their impacts on both ecosystems and modern society.
Environmental Geoscience
We use biology, chemistry, geology, and physics to understand how the Earth System supports such a diversity of life and how human behavior is impacting this system.
Geodata Science Initiative
Data science is the fourth and the newest paradigm of science. In Geodata Science Initiative, we conduct transdisciplinary research, merging or articulating EAPS subject matters with technical areas in data science: statistical and machine learning methods and models, algorithms for the models and methods, and computational environments for data analysis.
Geology and Geophysics
We study the processes that shape our planet, from the building of mountains and oil-bearing sedimentary basins, to the flow of warm rocks and cold glaciers, to the triggering of earthquakes.
Planetary Science
We study the evolution of the solar system and how planets evolve over time due to impacts, tectonics, and atmospheric processes, with an eye to the potential for past and future habitability.
Research News
Purdue professor reflects on NASA Challenger disaster, shares role in space shuttle's creation
04-14-2025
The Purdue Exponent — Purdue professor Andrew "Andy" Freed is widely regarded as one of the most popular faculty members on campus, thanks to the high enrollment in his courses like EAPS 105 and EAPS 106. But while many are aware of his connection to space studies at Purdue, few know that he played a significant role in the creation of the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger — and its aftermath.
04-14-2025
Over 50,000 guests. Fifty states. Thirty-five countries. Five continents. Five Purdue astronauts. And now one Webby Award nomination for Best Live Podcast Recording for the “This Is Purdue” live astronaut panel recorded during the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Vote here!
Video: NASA asteroid samples give a snapshot of the past
04-10-2025
Michelle Thompson, associate professor of earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, describes OSIRIS-REx — NASA’s first mission to bring asteroid samples to Earth — and what scientists have learned from the samples since they arrived in 2023. Unlike the constantly shifting conditions on Earth, objects in space like asteroids have not been significantly altered since they were formed 4.5 billion years ago.
Are we alone in the universe? These Mars rocks could finally give us an answer.
04-07-2025
National Geographic — The Perseverance rover has found some intriguing samples on the red planet. Here's what they might reveal about the origins of life in our universe—if we can get them back to Earth. Purdue EAPS's Briony Horgan is quoted in the article.
March 2025 Lunar Eclipse at Purdue University
04-07-2025
The Purdue Astronomy Club and Physics and Astronomy Outreach hosted a recent “all-nighter” lunar eclipse viewing party. The event attracted over 100 Purdue undergrads, grads, and staff. Amazing pictures from the event are shown in this exposure gallery.