Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Jupiter Hansen joined the Department in the Fall of 2023 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Georgia. As a Visiting Assistant Professor, she primarily teaches Principles of Structural Geology and Tectonics, as well as Introduction to Physical Geology Labs. Her research broadly focuses on structural geology and planetary science, utilizing remote sensing techniques, field studies, rock mechanical assessment, and numerical modeling.

Her recent work is centered around investigating the tectonics of the Asteroid Vesta and the Koa'e Fault Zone associated with the Kīlauea Volcano in Hawaii. These studies aim to explore the structures and tectonics of terrestrial bodies with varying sizes and gravities. In recognition of her contributions to the field of asteroid science, Asteroid 32027 Jupitercheng was named after her in June 2023. Prior to moving to the U.S., she completed her undergraduate and master's degrees in Geology at the University of Hong Kong, during which she conducted research on the tectonics of Venus and explored the formation of highlands.

Education

• B.Sc. University of Hong Kong
• M.Phil.University of Hong Kong
• Ph.D. University of Georgia

Courses taught

• GES 3150 - Principles of Structural Geology and Tectonics
• GES 1101 - Introduction to Physical Geology Labs

Website(s) and CV

• Curriculum vitae

Selected recent publications

Visit Dr Hansen's profile on Google Scholar

• Cheng, H. C. J., and Klimczak, C. (2022). Structural relationships in and around the Rheasilvia basin on Vesta. Journal of Structural Geology, 161, 104677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsg.2022.104677
• .Cheng, H. C. J., and Klimczak, C. (2022). Large-scale troughs on Asteroid 4 Vesta accommodate opening-mode displacement. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 127, e2021JE007130. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JE007130
• Cheng, H. C. J., Klimczak, C., and Fassett, C. I. (2021). Age relationships of large-scale troughs and impact basins on Vesta. Icarus, 366, 114512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2021.114512