Research Interests
I am interested in understanding what led to the formation of the diverse planets in the Solar System, including Earth. My research focuses on the chemical evolution of the early Solar System by integrating laboratory experiments, analysis of extraterrestrial materials, astronomical observations, modeling, and Solar System exploration.
My research group has conducted laboratory experiments on evaporation, condensation, phase transitions, diffusion, isotope fractionation, and isotope exchange processes in crystalline and amorphous silicates, Fe metal, iron sulfide, and refractory oxides. We have incorporated the kinetics of these reactions into dust dynamics models to investigate chemical gradients in protoplanetary disks. We have also studied the behavior of ice and organics under the physicochemical conditions of molecular clouds, protoplanetary disks, and small bodies, to trace the evolution of volatile species, including prebiotic molecules, from the very beginning of Solar System history.
To obtain pristine materials, which record the Solar System evolution, with geological context, I have participated in the Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return missions. I contributed to defining the scientific objectives of Hayabusa2 and was responsible for the development of its sample acquisition system (sampler) from a sample science perspective. As the mission sample scientist of Hayabusa2, I coordinated the mission-led initial analysis of the Ryugu samples.
In addition, I collaborate with radio and infrared astronomers to observe the chemical and mineralogical environments around young stars, providing comparisons with early Solar System conditions, and around evolved stars to understand the formation sites of the original ingredients of the Solar System.
I believe that by integrating laboratory experiments, sample analysis, modeling, exploration, and astronomical observation, we can open new frontiers in cosmochemistry.
