Dr. Katherine Joy

Biography

Katherine Joy is a Professor of Lunar Planetary Science at the University of Manchester. With extensive experience in planetary science, she has worked on various projects related to lunar samples and their geochemical analysis. Katherine's research interests focus on investigating the geological history of the Moon utilizing both endogenic and exogenic processes. Her work includes leading research on Apollo samples and Antarctic meteorites, employing advanced analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and laser ablation mass spectrometry. Katherine has played key roles in several international missions, including the European Space Agency’s SMART-1 mission and the BepiColombo mission to Mercury. In addition to her research activities, she has a strong presence in the academic community, serving as a member of various professional organizations and committees. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Royal Astronomical Society’s Winton Capital Geophysics Prize and the Susan Mahan Niebur Early Career Award. Katherine is also involved in educational outreach and supervision of graduate students, contributing to the training of the next generation of scientists in lunar and planetary exploration.

Research Interests