Patrick Tribbett
Postdoctoral Research Associate · Non-Tenure Track
Center for Space Science and Technology
He/Him/His/Himself
About
I received my bachelor’s degree in physics with minors in mathematics and chemistry from Arkansas State University in 2018, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in astronomy and planetary science from Northern Arizona University in 2021 and 2023 under the supervision of Dr. Mark Loeffler. During my Ph.D. I investigated the thermal and radiolytic processes that alter astrophysical ice analogs with an emphasis on inorganic solar system ices. I demonstrated that thermally driven chemistry readily occurs in solids at temperatures relevant to outer solar system bodies (e.g., Europa, Ganymede, Enceladus, Umbriel, etc.). Currently, as a postdoctoral research associate, I am working with Dr. Chris Materese to investigate the radiolytic stability of organic molecules within ice matrices with applications in interstellar ice mantle chemistry.
Research interests
Laboratory astrophysics and astrochemistry, radiation effects, planetary science, analytical chemistry
Teaching interests
Introduction to Astronomy, General Physics (calculus and algebra-based)
Education
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Ph D, Astronomy and Planetary Science
— Northern Arizona University (2023) Thermal and Radiolytic Processing of Astrophysical Ice Analogs
- MS, Astronomy and Planetary Science — Northern Arizona University (2021)
- BS, Physics — Arkansas State University (2018)