Dr. My Riebe

Instructor

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Biography

My research investigates solar system formation, focusing on the composition of extraterrestrial materials. I have a particular interest in volatile elements and organics, which are the building blocks of life. In my lab, I employ a range of high-tech tools such as noble gas mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, NanoSIMS, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Currently, I am guiding PhD students in studying extraterrestrial dust particles. These tiny grains, expelled by comets and asteroids during collisions and outgassing, are pristine samples from the solar system, providing insights into its infancy, dating back 4.6 billion years. I also lead projects involving the study of these elements and their importance for early Earth. I have a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate, which has helped me to develop agile project management approaches suitable for experimental research. I am part of the European Space Agency's Facility Definition Team for the Lunar Gateway space station, working on dust science and exploration objectives. Furthermore, I was privileged to be part of the analysis team for JAXA's sample return mission from asteroid Ryugu, where we studied noble gases and organic matter. My extensive background in geochemistry and planetary science reflects my dedication to improving the understanding of extraterrestrial materials and their implications for life on Earth.

Research Interests

Experience

Ambizione Fellow

2021-01-01 — Present

Swiss National Science Foundation • ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Research fellow conducting studies in geochemistry and petrology.

Senior Researcher

2020-01-01 — 2021-01-01

Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, ETH Zurich • Switzerland

Conducted advanced research in planetary geochemistry.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2019-01-01 — 2020-01-01

Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology, ETH Zurich • Switzerland

Focused on geochemical analysis of extraterrestrial samples.

Postdoctoral Researcher

2016-01-01 — 2018-01-01

Carnegie Science • Washington DC, USA

Conducted research on planetary materials.

Requirements for ETH Zurich

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:159
Verbal Percentile
Required:80
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:81
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Writing Percentile
Required:85
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Mathematics) Minimum 180 ECTS credits Subject-specific knowledge equivalent to ETH Bachelor's programs
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree diploma or transcript
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Letter of Motivation (1 page)
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • GRE General Test (for non-EU/EFTA applicants)
Specialization Notes

The GRE is mandatory for students who did not obtain their Bachelor's degree in an EU/EFTA state. Some departments (e.g., Computer Science) have specific ECTS credit requirements in core subjects.