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About

F. M. McCubbin is a leading planetary scientist whose research centers on the geochemistry of Mars, the origins of organic matter in the solar system, and the future of sample return missions. His major contributions include synthesizing observations of reduced carbon phases in Martian meteorites, demonstrating that some organic compounds are indigenous to Mars rather than terrestrial contamination—a finding with profound implications for astrobiology and the search for past life. This influential review has garnered over 110 citations, underscoring its impact on the field. McCubbin also played a pivotal role in the Mars 2020 mission, contributing to the design and operation of the SHERLOC instrument’s calibration target, which enables in situ Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy to identify organic molecules and minerals. His visionary work on Mars Sample Return (MSR) includes co-authoring the scientific rationale for the campaign and advocating for the return of airfall dust, which could reveal atmospheric processes and hazards for future human explorers. With a career bridging laboratory analysis, instrument development, and mission planning, McCubbin stands at the forefront of efforts to unlock Mars’ secrets and prepare for its eventual exploration by humans.