
Session 3
Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Erika Kohler
Dr. Erika Kohler is a planetary scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, specializing in simulating extreme planetary environments to inform and validate scientific models and mission observations. She earned her bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma, where she engaged in both recreational and professional storm chasing. She later obtained her Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Sciences from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Dr. Kohler's research focuses on designing innovative experiments to replicate the extreme conditions found on other planets, such as the high temperatures and pressures of Venus, as well as the even hotter environments of exoplanets like Hot Jupiters and Brown Dwarfs. These simulations provide critical laboratory data that support and validate spacecraft observations and theoretical models.
In her role as Deputy Project Scientist for NASA's DAVINCI mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging), Dr. Kohler contributes to the mission's goal of sending an atmospheric probe to Venus to conduct direct measurements and capture high-resolution images during its descent. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of Venus's atmosphere and surface, offering insights into the planet's history and evolution.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kohler has been driven by a fascination with storms and a passion for exploring planetary atmospheres beyond Earth. Her work not only advances our knowledge of our solar system but also aids in the study of exoplanets, contributing to the broader field of comparative planetology.
Session Recording
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