Kathleen Craft

A main focus of my current work is helping to develop NASA's mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa, Europa Clipper, which will investigate the moon's geology, activity, and habitability. I'm working with the instrument teams and project to develop the science measurement requirements for the mission and am assisting with science-related project activities. I'm also part of the study team for a landed mission on Europa. My research interests include modeling fluid intrusions and fracture mechanics on Ocean Worlds and Ceres and hydrothermal systems on Mars. I'm also interested in biosignatures and determining habitability in different environments. Currently, I'm working to develop a microfluidics sample preparation device for in situ purification of amino acids, DNA/RNA, and other biosignatures and protecting them from salts and other inhibitors for follow-on detections and characterizations. I am the PI for development of a communication capability for a subsurface Europa cryobot. I pursue field work to validate my models and provide insight into the physics of geologic and biological processes both on Earth and that are likely occuring on other worlds. Outside of work, I enjoy running, soccer, flying airplanes, outreach, and fun activities with my 3 kids and husband.