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Jacob J. Buffo

Assistant Professor of Engineering

Overview

Jacob Buffo is a planetary scientist studying the physical processes that govern the dynamics and habitability of ice-ocean and ice-brine environments in the solar system. He combines numerical methods with field and laboratory work to construct models that simulate the thermal, physical, and biogeochemical evolution of planetary ices.

Research Interests

Planetary science; cryosphere; ices

Education

  • BS, Physics/ Astronomy; Minor, Mathematics, University of Iowa 2013
  • PhD, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology 2019

Selected Publications

  • Buffo JJ, Meyer CR, Chivers CJ, Walker CC, Huber C, Schmidt BE. (2023) "Geometry of freezing impacts ice composition: Implication for icy satellites." JGR: Planets.
  • Buffo JJ, Ojha L, Meyer CR, Ferrier KL, Palucis MC. (2022) "Reinvestigating subglacial hydrology as an origin for Mars’ valley networks." Earth and Planetary Science Letters.
  • Buffo JJ, Brown EK, Pontefract A, Schmidt BE, Klempay B, Lawrence J, Bowman J, Glass J, Plattner T, Chivers C, OAST Team. (2022) "The bioburden and ionic composition of hypersaline lake ices: Novel habitats on Earth and their astrobiological implications." Astrobiology.
  • Buffo JJ, Meyer CR, Parkinson JRG. (2021) "Dynamics of a solidifying icy satellite shell." JGR: Planets. 2021.
  • Buffo JJ, Schmidt BE, Huber C, Meyer CR. (2021) "Characterizing the ice-ocean interface of icy worlds: A theoretical approach." Icarus.
  • Buffo JJ, Schmidt BE, Huber C, Walker CC. (2020) "Entrainment and dynamics of ocean-derived impurities within Europa’s ice shell." JGR: Planets.
  • Buffo JJ, Schmidt BE, Huber C. (2018) "Multiphase reactive transport and platelet ice accretion in the sea ice of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica." JGR: Oceans.

In the News

The Planetary Report
A test bed in the search for life
Sep 08, 2025

Research Quick Takes

Buffo and his team in the field

Nov 06, 2025

Advancing Space Science

Professor Jacob Buffo gave a video presentation about his recently completed Planetary Society "Science and Technology Empowered by the Public" (STEP) grant project. Buffo and his team investigated "Multiscale Characterization of Brine-Rich Planetary Analog Environments," with the goal of helping to optimize site selection for planetary and astrobiology missions.