Jennifer M. Jackson
Jennifer M. Jackson
William E. Leonhard Professor of Mineral Physics; Vice Provost
B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 1999; M.S., University of Notre Dame, 2000; Ph.D., University of Illinois, 2005. Assistant Professor, Caltech, 2007-12; Professor, 2012-20; Leonhard Professor, 2020-; Vice Provost, 2025-.
Research Summary
Jennifer Jackson's research group focuses on combining experimental results with geophysical methods to better understand planetary interiors. By combining a suite of spectroscopic methods, primarily at advanced radiation sources, we determine the elastic, vibrational, and chemical properties of candidate planetary materials under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature. Through collaborations with Seismo Lab colleagues, we integrate the most recent mineral physics results with seismic observations and geodynamic modeling to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of the deepest parts of Earth's interior.
Research Options
Geophysics;
Research Areas
High–pressure Mineral Physics;
Publications
Please go to http://web.gps.caltech.edu/~jackson/pubs.html
2025-26
Ge 116. Analytical Techniques Laboratory.
9 units (1-4-4); second term, 2025-26.
Prerequisites: Ge 114 a or instructor's permission.
Methods of quantitative laboratory analysis of rocks, minerals, and fluids in geological and planetary sciences. Consists of five intensive two-week modules covering scanning electron microscopy (imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction); the electron microprobe (wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy); X-ray powder diffraction; optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy; and plasma source mass spectrometry for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis. Satisfies the Institute core requirement for an additional introductory laboratory course.
Instructors: Asimow, Jackson
Instructors: Asimow, Jackson
Ge 164. Mineral Physics.
9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2025-26.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 ad or equivalent, or instructor's permission.
Introduction to the mineral physics of Earth's interior. Topics covered: mineralogy and phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures; elasticity and equations of state; vibrational, electronic, and transport properties; application of mineral physics data to Earth and planetary interiors.
Taught every other year; offered 2025-26.
Instructor: Jackson
Instructor: Jackson
2024-25
Ge 116. Analytical Techniques Laboratory.
9 units (1-4-4); second term, 2024-25.
Prerequisites: Ge 114 a or instructor's permission.
Methods of quantitative laboratory analysis of rocks, minerals, and fluids in geological and planetary sciences. Consists of five intensive two-week modules covering scanning electron microscopy (imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction); the electron microprobe (wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy); X-ray powder diffraction; optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy; and plasma source mass spectrometry for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis. Satisfies the Institute core requirement for an additional introductory laboratory course.
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
2023-24
Ge 116. Analytical Techniques Laboratory.
9 units (1-4-4); second term, 2023-24.
Prerequisites: Ge 114 a or instructor's permission.
Methods of quantitative laboratory analysis of rocks, minerals, and fluids in geological and planetary sciences. Consists of five intensive two-week modules covering scanning electron microscopy (imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction); the electron microprobe (wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy); X-ray powder diffraction; optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy; and plasma source mass spectrometry for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis. Satisfies the Institute core requirement for an additional introductory laboratory course.
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
Ge 164. Mineral Physics.
9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2023-24.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 ad or equivalent, or instructor's permission.
Introduction to the mineral physics of Earth's interior. Topics covered: mineralogy and phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures; elasticity and equations of state; vibrational, electronic, and transport properties; application of mineral physics data to Earth and planetary interiors.
Instructor: Jackson
Instructor: Jackson
2022-23
Ge 116. Analytical Techniques Laboratory.
9 units (1-4-4); second term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 114 a or instructor's permission.
Methods of quantitative laboratory analysis of rocks, minerals, and fluids in geological and planetary sciences. Consists of five intensive two-week modules covering scanning electron microscopy (imaging, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction); the electron microprobe (wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy); X-ray powder diffraction; optical, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy; and plasma source mass spectrometry for elemental and radiogenic isotope analysis. Satisfies the Institute core requirement for an additional introductory laboratory course.
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
Instructors: Asimow, Ehlmann, Jackson
Ge 164. Mineral Physics.
9 units (3-0-6); second term, 2022-23.
Prerequisites: Ge 11 ad or equivalent, or instructor's permission.
Introduction to the mineral physics of Earth's interior. Topics covered: mineralogy and phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures; elasticity and equations of state; vibrational, electronic, and transport properties; application of mineral physics data to Earth and planetary interiors.
Instructor: Jackson
Instructor: Jackson