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Florence Tan is a key figure in planetary science and astrobiology, best known for her instrumental role in the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation. Her primary research centers on the chemical and isotopic analysis of planetary atmospheres and solid samples, with a focus on understanding Mars' habitability. Tan’s most cited work, "The Sample Analysis at Mars Investigation and Instrument Suite" (2012, 563 citations), details the design and scientific goals of the SAM suite aboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover. This landmark paper describes how SAM analyzes the chemical and isotopic composition of the Martian atmosphere and volatiles extracted from rock and soil samples, directly contributing to the mission’s core objective of assessing Mars’ past potential for life. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of Martian geochemistry and atmospheric evolution. With over 560 citations, this work underscores her impact in defining the analytical framework for one of NASA’s most ambitious planetary missions.