Planetary geologist Valerie Payré from the University of Iowa is part of a team using one of NASA’s rovers on Mars that’s found the makings for precious gems like rubies and sapphires in the Martian soil.

Adam Skibbe is a senior GIS administrator and adjunct instructor whose work centers on geospatial technology and the questions it can help researchers answer. He provides GIS support across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the university, works with faculty and students on research, and teaches students how to use geospatial tools they may encounter in their careers.