Education
Purdue University
PhD, Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (December 2022)
Advisor: Brandon Johnson
Thesis: Sputnik Planitia as a probe for Pluto’s internal evolution.
Brown University
Graduate Student, Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (2016-2019)
Advisor: Brandon Johnson
Sc.M. Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences (May 2018)
Advisor: James W. Head
Thesis: Subsurface collapse and denudation of the fretted terrain and the Arabia Terra plateau: Origins and implications for martian dichotomy boundary evolution.
Rice University
B.S. Earth Science (2016)
B.A. History (2016)
GPA 3.88, Cum Laude
Senior Thesis: Tectonic history of Enceladus's SPT and its ties to the formation of the tiger stripe fractures.
Relevant Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ. January 2023-Present.
Research Scientist. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson AZ. September 2022-December 2022.
Graduate Research Assistant. Purdue University, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science, West Lafayette, IN, August 2019-August 2022. PhD Advisor: Brandon Johnson. PhD Thesis: Sputnik Planitia as a probe for Pluto’s global tectonic evolution.
Graduate Research Assistant, Brown University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science, Providence, RI, August 2016-August 2019. PhD Advisor: Brandon Johnson. Masters Advisor: James W. Head. Masters thesis: Subsurface collapse and denudation of the fretted terrain and the Arabia Terra plateau: Origins and implications for martian dichotomy boundary evolution.
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Rice University Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science, Houston, TX, Fall 2015-Spring 2016. Advisors: Dr. Adrian Lenardic and Dr. Helge Gonnermann. Project Title: Numerical investigation of long-term ice shell strength in Enceladus' South Polar Terrain.
Summer Research Intern, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX, May-August 2015. Advisor: Dr. David Kring. Project title: Differential vertical and radial displacement along faults in the crater wall during the formation of Meteor Crater, AZ.
Publications
Peer-Reviewed
Ballantyne, H., Asphaug, E., Denton, C.A., Emsenhuber, A., and Jutzi, M. (2024). Sputnik Planitia
as an impactor remnant indicates an ancient rocky mascon in an oceanless Pluto. Nature Astronomy. PDF.
Emsenhuber, A., Asphaug, E., Cambioni, S., Gabriel, T.S.J., Schwartz, S. R., Melikyan, R.E., and Denton, C.A. (2024). A New Database of Giant Impacts over a Wide Range of Masses and with Material Strength: A First Analysis of Outcomes. Planetary Science Journal. PDF.
Seaton, K. M., Gyalay, S., Stucky de Quay, G., Burnett, E. R., Denton, C. A. et al. (2023). Astrobiology eXploration at Enceladus (AXE): A New Frontiers Mission Concept Study. Planetary Science Journal. PDF.
Denton, C.A. Gosselin, G. J., Freed, A. M., and Johnson, B.C. (2023). The formation and evolution of Pluto’s Sputnik basin prior to nitrogen fill. Icarus. PDF.
Denton, C. A. and A. R. Rhoden (2022). Tracking the evolution of an ocean within Mimas using the Herschel impact basin. Geophysical Research Letters. PDF.
Denton, C. A. Johnson, B.C., Wakita, S., Freed, A.M., Melosh, H.J., and Stern, A.S. (2021), Pluto’s antipodal terrains imply a thick subsurface ocean and hydrated core. Geophysical Research Letters. PDF
Wakita, S., Johnson, B.C., Denton, C.A., Davison, T.M. (2021). Jetting during oblique impacts of spherical impactors. Icarus. PDF.
Non-Peer-Reviewed Science Publications (White Papers, Workshop Reports, etc.)
Tavares, F., Vidaurri, M., Denton, C.A., et al. (2024). A call for Indigenous partnership in the
return to the Moon. Nature Astronomy. PDF.
Sori, M. M., Keane, J. T., Ermakov, A., Berne, A., Bierson, C., Bills, B., Boening, C., Bramson, A., D'Amico, S., Denton, C. A., et al. (2023). Next Generation Planetary Geodesy. Final Report for the Keck Institute for Space Studies. PDF.
Vander Kaaden, K.E., Ryan, C.H., Rivera-Valentín, E.G., Phillips, C.B., Haber, J., Filiberto, J., and Denton, C.A. (2020) Creating Inclusive, Supportive, and Safe Environments in Planetary Science for Members of the LGBTQ+ Community. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: 2023 – 2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey
Popular Publications
C.A. Denton (2024). Chasing Canyons Across the Solar System as Astronomer in Residence. Grand Canyon Conservancy.
C.A. Denton (2022). Dancing in Space? Here’s How Astronauts are Reinventing Movement in Microgravity. Dance Magazine.
C.A. Denton (2019), Does your conference spark joy? Two days at Women in Space 2019. Women In Astronomy.
C.A. Denton (2018), The Venus Controversy. Planetary.org.
C.A. Denton (2018), Ecological militarism: The history of the military's relationship with climate change. Historical Climatology.
C.A. Denton (2018), #LPSC2018: Understanding early Mars through fluvial features. Planetary.org.
Honors and Awards
Graduate
Asteroid 16883 adeenedenton, 2024.
Meteoritical Society/Geological Society of America Pellas-Ryder Award for outstanding student paper, 2023
JPL Planetary Science Summer School Participant and Deputy Principal Investigator, 2021
Purdue Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Outstanding Graduate Student, 2021
Purdue Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences Three-Minute Thesis Winner, 2021
Future Investigator in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST), 2020-Present
Lunar and Planetary Institute Career Development Award, 2020
Women in Space Travel Grant, 2019, 2020.
Large Meteorite Impacts VI Brasilia Travel Award, 2019
Association for Women Geoscientists Takken Travel Award, 2019
National Academies Space Science Week Early Career Program, 2019.
Dance Magazine 25 to Watch, 2019.
Brown University Presidential Fellow, 2016-2019.
Brown University Graduate Travel Grant, 2017, 2018, 2019.
Canopus Award Finalist for Excellence in Interstellar Writing, 2017
Brown University International Travel Grant, 2016.
Undergraduate
ExxonMobil Outstanding Undergraduate in Earth Science, 2016
Charles S. Garside Jr. Prize in History, 2016
Houston Geological Society Outstanding Student Award, 2015
Houston Geological Society Maby Scholarship, 2015.
Houston Gem and Mineral Society Scholarship, 2014.
Skills
Computer Languages and Software
Languages: Python, MATLAB, Fortran, C++
Software: SPHLATCH, iSALE shock physics code, Abaqus, ESRI's ArcGIS, Exelis Visual Information Solutions (ENVI), COMSOL, LaTeX
Spacecraft Dataset Experience
Geomorphic mapping: CTX, HiRISE, LRO NAC, WAC, THEMIS, Cassini ISS
Numerical topographic analysis: LOLA, MOLA, HRSC, HiRISE DEM
Mineralogy: OMEGA, CRISM, MAHLI, Dawn VIR
Field work
Instrument testing and data collection for the Project for Exploration Science Pathfinder Research for Enhancing Solar System Observation (ESPRESSO). Palisades Sill, Alpine, NJ. 2019.
Independent historical geology research, Rice University. Lofoten, Norway, Åre, Sweden, and the Italian Dolomites. 2016.
Tear-fault mapping and sample collection for the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Barringer Meteor Crater, AZ. 2015
Geological field mapping and hazard identification. Himalaya Field School, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. 2014.
Geologic mapping course, Rice University. San Ysidro Quadrangle, NM. 2014.
Underwater archeological excavation, artifact identification, and shipwreck mapping. Sanisera Field School, Menorca, Spain. 2013.
Selected First Author Presentations
(* denotes oral presentation, ** denotes oral presentation canceled due to COVID-19)
*Denton, C.A., Asphaug, E., Melikyan, R. E., and Emsenhuber, A. (2024). A New Giant Impact Origin for Pluto and Charon. Impacts Workshop, Rochester, New York.
*Denton, C.A., Asphaug, E., Melikyan, R. E., and Emsenhuber, A. (2023) Does strength help Pluto
capture Charon? American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences Annual Meeting, San
Antonio, Texas.
Denton, C.A., Ferguson, S. N. Keane, J. T. Asphaug, E., and Melikyan, R. M. (2023). Get Me
Pictures of Oberon: How Large Impact Craters Can Amplify Imagery and Geodetic Measurements to
Probe the Interiors of the Uranian Satellites. Uranus Flagship Workshop, Pasadena, California.
*Denton, C.A., Gosselin, G.J., Freed, A.M., and Johnson, B.C. (2023). The Formation and Evolution
of the Sputnik Basin, Pluto, Prior to Nitrogen Ice Fill. 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference,
The Woodlands, TX.
Denton, C.A., Rhoden, A.R., and Ferguson, S.N. (2023). Using the Herschel Impact Basin to
Track the Evolution of an Ocean within Mimas. 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The
Woodlands, TX.
*Denton, C.A., Johnson, B.C., Wakita, S., Freed, A.M., Melosh, H.J., and Stern, A.S. (2021). Antipodal terrains produced by Sputnik Planitia-forming impact imply Pluto has a thick ocean and hydrated core. 52nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #1078.
Denton, C.A. (2020). Untangling feminism, nationalism and space exploration in the age of Artemis. Space Science in Context.
**Denton, C.A., Johnson, B.C., Freed, A.M. and Melosh, H.J. (2020). Seismology on Pluto?! Antipodal terrains produced by Sputnik Planitia-forming impact. 51st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #1220.
*Denton, C.A. and B.C. Johnson (2019). Formation of the Sputnik Planitia Basin: Moving towards refined constraints on ocean thickness. Large Meteorite Impacts VI, Brasilia, Brazil, Abstract #5104.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2019). Fretted channels and closed depressions in Arabia Terra, Mars: Origins and implications for subsurface hydrologic activity. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Abstract #1082.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2019). Fretted channels and closed depressions in Arabia Terra, Mars: Origins and implications for subsurface hydrologic activity. Women in Space, Scottsdale, AZ.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2018). Mapping the fretted terrain north of Arabia Terra, Mars: Results and implications for dichotomy boundary formation. 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Abstract #1597.
Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2018). Subsurface hydrologic activity in northern Arabia Terra, Mars: Implications for formation of fretted channels. 49th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Abstract #1607.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2018). Mapping the fretted terrain north of Arabia Terra, Mars: Results and implications for the origin of the dichotomy boundary. Women in Planetary Science and Exploration, Toronto, Canada.
Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2017). Fretted terrain, Mars: Implications of missing volume for hypotheses of origin. 8th Moscow Solar System Symposium, Moscow, Russia.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2017). Arabia Terra-Meridiani Planum as possible glacial loess and outwash/playa plains adjacent to Late Noachian/Early Hesperian icy highlands. 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Abstract #2198.
Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2017). Protonilus Mensae: Origin by contact and deferred melting associated with emplacement of Late Noachian flood volcanism. 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX, Abstract #2182.
*Denton, C.A. and J.W. Head (2016). Fretted terrain origins and the problems of Arabia Terra, with a focus on stratigraphic and temporal relationships. 7th Moscow Solar System Symposium, Moscow, Russia.
Invited colloquia and team meeting talks
Denton, C.A. (2024). Getting to the Heart of Pluto with Sputnik Planitia. Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ.
Denton, C.A. (2024). Geology in a galaxy far, far away: Exploring the planets of Star Wars. Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ.
Denton, C.A. (2024). Voyage to an Ice Giant: What’s the Deal with NASA’s Next Flagship Mission? Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ.
Denton, C.A. (2024). Canyons Across the Solar System. Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ.
Denton, C.A. (2024). Giant Impacts Reveal the History of Pluto’s Cryosphere. Union College, Schenectady, NY.
Denton, C.A. (2023). Constraining Pluto's interior with giant impacts: It's just that easy! Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA.
Denton, C.A. (2023). Constraining Pluto's interior with giant impacts: It's just that easy! Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.
Denton, C.A. (2022). The formation and evolution of Sputnik basin prior to ice fill. New Horizons Science Team Meeting, Wallace, ID.
Denton, C.A. (2022). Sputnik Planitia as a probe for Pluto's internal evolution. Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO.
Denton, C.A. (2022). Sputnik Planitia as a probe for Pluto's internal evolution. NASA JPL, Pasadena, CA.
Denton, C.A. (2022). Blown wide open: Searching for oceans in the outer solar system with giant impacts. University of Western Ontario, London, CA.
Denton, C.A. (2021). Blown Wide Open: Searching for Oceans in the Outer Solar System with Giant Impacts. Lunar and Planetary Institute, Clear Lake, TX.
Denton, C.A., Johnson, B.C., Wakita, S., Freed, A.M., Melosh, H.J., and Stern, A.S. (2020). Pluto’s antipodal terrains imply a thick subsurface ocean and hydrated core. New Horizons Science Plenary Meeting, Boulder, CO.
Denton, C.A. (2017). Netflix and chill at 0 Kelvin: How human culture will make the leap to space. TEDxProvidence, Providence, RI.
Conference presentations: contributing author
Ferguson, S.N., Leonard, E.J., Beddingfield, C.B., Denton, C.A., Persaud, D.M., et al. (2023). Stereo
Imaging to Enable Comprehensive Science at the Uranian Satellites. Uranus Flagship Workshop,
Pasadena, California
Baijal, N., Denton, C.A., and Asphaug, E. (2023). Seismic Transmission Through Asteroid Interiors:
Insights from Impact Models. Asteroids, Comets, and Meteorites Conference. Flagstaff, AZ.
Baijal, N., Denton, C.A., and Asphaug, E. (2023). Porosity and Collisional Seismology of Asteroid
Interiors. 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX.
Ballantyne, H.A., Asphaug, E., Denton, C.A., Emsenhuber, A. and Jutzi, M. ((2022). Sputnik Planitia as an Impactor Remnant: An Ancient Mascon in a Frozen Ice Mantle. 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #2268.
Rhoden, A.R., Walker, M.E., Denton, C.A., and Ferguson, S.N.(2022). Is Mimas a stealth ocean world? 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #2695.
Seaton, K.M., Burnett, E.R., Denton, C.A., et al. (2022). Science objectives for a mission concept to Enceladus: The Astrobiology Exploration at Enceladus (AXE). 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #2152.
Seaton, K.M., Burnett, E.R., Denton, C.A., et al. (2022). Mission implementation for a New Frontiers mission concept: The Astrobiology Exploration at Enceladus (AXE). 53rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, TX. Abstract #2168.
Teaching and mentoring
Teaching
Guest Lecturer, Making Sense of the Universe, California State University, San Bernardino, 2023.
Guest Lecturer, Natural History of the Southwest, Pima Community College, 2023.
Co-Instructor, ASTEROIDS Laboratory Undergraduate Research and Education Program Summer Academy, University of Arizona, 2023.
Guest Lecturer, Special Topics in Planetary Science, University of Arizona, 2023.
Guest Lecturer, Special Topics in Planetary Science, University of Arizona, 2021.
Guest Lecturer, The Environmental and Human History of North America, the College of William and Mary, 2021.
Guest lecturer, Planetary Interiors, Purdue University, 2021.
Guest Lecturer, Planetary Surface Processes, Purdue University, 2020.
Lead Instructor, Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond. Summer at Brown STEM II Program, Summer 2019.
Teaching Assistant, Habitable Worlds: Possible Places for Life in the Solar System and Beyond. Summer at Brown STEM II Program, Summer 2018.
Brown University Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Certificate I: Reflective Teaching, Fall 2017.
Mentoring
Mentor, Namya Baijal, University of Arizona graduate student, 2022-Present.
Mentor, Matan Lagnado, University of Arizona undergraduate, 2023-Present.
Mentor, Evan Kelch, Purdue undergraduate. 2020-2021.
Mentor, Pat Pesa, Purdue undergraduate. 2020.
Chair and panel member, International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM) Brown-Stanford Team review. 2016, 2017, 2018.
Spacecraft Design Engineering graduate mentor, Brown University. 2017, 2018.
professional activities and service
Conference and Meeting Service
Panelist, Convergence of Art and Geoscience, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting. December 2020. Selected as a panelist for a long-form discussion and art demonstration on the convergence of scientific and artistic practice.
Science Team Meeting observer, Dragonfly Science Team Meeting. November 2020. Selected as an observer for the Fall 2020 meeting of the Dragonfly Science team.
Early career observer, Committee on Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences meeting. April 2019. Selected as an early career observer to attend the meeting of the CAPS subsection of the National Academies’ Space Science Board.
Student organizer, Microsymposium Conference. Houston, TX, 2017-2018. Organized speaker registration and logistics for Brown University’s pre-LPSC Microsymposium.
Outreach and Advocacy
Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence. February 2024. As Astronomer in Residence, I provided visitors to the park with geology and astronomy-based lectures, activities, and pub talks that connected the Grand Canyon to the Solar System.
Invited speaker, Space Drafts Tucson. 2023. Speaker for local student-run group that connects the local community with a range of topics in astronomy and planetary science.
Invited speaker, Sun City Oro Valley Astronomy Club. 2023. Speaker for local citizen astronomy group regarding ocean worlds and moons in the outer Solar System.
Volunteer and contributing scientist, Pinhead Institute. 2020-Present. Contributor and speaker for Scientists in the Schools, a program designed to bring scientists and their research to local schools in San Miguel County, CO.
Invited speaker, Popular Astronomy Club of the Quad Cities. 2020. Speaker for local citizen astronomy group regarding the origin and evolution of Pluto and its role in the Kuiper Belt.
Invited speaker, Indiana Astronomical Society. 2020. Speaker for statewide citizen astronomy group regarding the origin and evolution of Pluto and its role in the Kuiper Belt.
Workshop Organizer and Speaker, Saturday Morning Astrophysics. 2020. Led a workshop at Purdue University for upper-level middle and high school students on the physics behind impact cratering and its importance in the Solar System.
Co-Founder and Co-Lead, Ethics and Human Rights Project Group, Space Generation Advisory Council. 2019-2022. Developed, proposed, and led a project group focused on the emerging challenges and opportunities in the space sector that are directly related to issues of ethics and human rights.
Invited Speaker, La Salle Scholars Program. 2018-2019. Led workshops for high school students in Rhode Island interested in unusual career opportunities. The workshop explores different career pathways in earth and space science.
Co-Director, Young Scholars Conference, Brown University. 2017, 2018. Co-directed a conference for women in science and engineering to prepare them for the academic and industrial job market. Events included networking panels, practice job talks, and sample interviews.
Co-Director, Brown University Graduate Women in Science and Engineering. 2017-2019. Elected leader of GWISE at the University level to facilitate networking, professional development, and community-building.
University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Department Life Committee Postdoctoral Representative. 2023-Present
Purdue Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science
Graduate Ombudsperson. 2020-2022.
First-Year Mentorship Program Founder and Co-Director. 2020-2022.
Diversity Committee Graduate Representative. 2020-2022.
Seminar Committee Planetary Representative. 2019-2022.
Brown Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Science
Graduate Professional Development Representative. 2019.
Graduate Student Planetary Climate Task Force Representative. 2019.
Graduate Diversity Working Group Workshop Leader. 2018-2019.
DEEPS Graduate Women in Science and Engineering Co-President. 2018-2019.
Graduate Student Conference Co-Director. 2017-2019.
Graduate Student Body Co-President. 2017-2018.
Professional Memberships
American Astronomical Society, Division of Planetary Sciences, November 2022.
Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG), November 2016
American Geophysical Union (AGU), April 2015
Geological Society of America (GSA), Planetary Science Division, September 2016
Earth Science Women’s Network (ESWN), November 2016