Jorge Coppin-Massanet
Affiliations and Roles
Ph.D. Candidate, Geological Sciences and Astronomy
Affirming Pronouns: He/They
Graduate Mentor
Research Interests:
My research explores the habitability of icy moons, particularly Europa, where I study biogeochemical processes at the ice-ocean interface. I develop and test scientific instruments designed to detect biosignatures in extreme environments on Earth and in space. I also examine how climate change impacts polar regions on Earth and the connections these regions have to planetary analogs.
About Me:
I’m a Ph.D. student in the departments of Geological Sciences and Astronomy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I completed my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico. My academic journey spans multiple disciplines, with my research focused on planetary oceanography, astrobiology, instrumentation, and climate science. I’m passionate about solving complex problems through the integration of science and engineering.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, especially around bodies of water, and stargazing. I also pursue hobbies like film photography and graphic design. I love watching movies on the big screen, and I collect vintage cameras, books, and vinyl records. I also enjoy learning about public transportation, urban infrastructure, and policy.
I am committed to advocating for open science and decolonizing scientific practices, especially in fieldwork. My goal is to make science more inclusive and accessible, particularly for underrepresented communities.