Dawson’s research focuses on the seafloors of icy moons in the outer solar system. Using both computer modeling and bench chemistry to learn more about the habitability of these worlds, Dawson compares icy moon seafloors to hydrothermal systems on Earth. His previous research includes an experimental petrology study of amphiboles at arc settings, and remote sensing studies to learn about fluvial behavior on Mars.
Henry Dawson received a BS in chemistry and applied physics from Purdue University, and an AM in Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis, where he is a McDonnell Center Astronaut Fellow.
His advisors are Paul Byrne and Jeff Catalano.