Don Banfield
Planetary Scientist
Affiliation: NASA Ames Research Center
Email: donald.j.banfield@nasa.gov
Academic Qualifications
Ph.D. Planetary Science and Applied Physics,
California Institute of Technology 1994
B.S. Applied and Engineering Physics (with distinction), Cornell University 1987
Professional Experience
Planetary Scientist, NASA Ames Research Center 2022-present
Principal Research Scientist, Cornell University 2018-2022
Senior Research Associate, Cornell University 1999-2018
Research Associate, Cornell University Supervisor: Peter Gierasch 1994-1999
Assistant Scientist and Research Assistant, California Institute of Technology
Research Areas
• Developing a Martian Sonic Anemometer and/or Hydrogen Ortho-Para Sensor
• Developing a Saltating Grain Sensor (energy & momentum sensing)
• Developing a Polarization Nephelometer
• Saturn Probe New Frontiers Mission (resubmission planned next opportunity)
• Mars Surface Meteorology Network Discovery/SIMPLEX Missions
• Mars Surface Meteorology and Boundary Layer Physics/Aeolian Processes
• Mars Global Meteorology/Climate and related Discovery/SIMPLEX Missions
• Giant Planet Cloud Structure, Moist Convection and Meridional Circulation
• Titan Atmospheric Circulation
• Cubesat for High Time Resolution Spectrophotometry of Uranus, Neptune and Io
• Shorelines as Possible Indicators of Ancient Martian Climate
• Trace-gas Plumes on Mars and Earth: Source Hunting Techniques
Spacecraft Team/Community Participation
Mars2020, LTP 2019-present
MEDA, Co-I, 2019-2024
MEPAG Goals Committee Chair, 2017-present
InSight, Co-I, Lead for Atmospheric Instrumentation (APSS) and Co-Chair Atmospheres
Working Group, Rotating SOWG Chair and LTP Lead, 2012-2023
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MCS Team Participating Scientist, 2007-2011
Mars Exploration Rovers, Science Team Collaborator, 2003-2018
Galileo Imaging Team Affiliate, 1996-2001
Voyager 2 at Neptune, Imaging Team Affiliate, 1989
NASA Group Achievement Awards for InSight, Galileo, MER & MRO/MCS participation