Thomas Sharp is a mineralogist interested in mineral reactions, phase transitions and deformation and how these can be used to understand processes that occur within and on the surface of Earth and other planetary bodies. This research combines experimental mineralogy and petrology with detailed physical and chemical characterization of rocks and minerals with transmission and scanning electron microscopy, SIMS, thermal emission infrared spectroscopy and other techniques. Applications include: Phase transitions in Earth's deep mantle; High-pressure minerals in meteorites as indicators of impact history; and Chemical weathering of basalt and its implications for the remote sensing of Mars. In addition to his research, Professor Sharp is the ASU Associate Director of the NASA Arizona Space Grant Consortium. This program provides undergraduate internships and graduate fellowships for ASU students to participate in NASA related research and outreach.
