J. Taylor Perron is a geomorphologist, planetary scientist, and Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he holds the Cecil and Ida Green Chair.
Prof. Perron studies how geology, climate, and life intertwine to shape the surfaces of Earth and other planets. Known for his interdisciplinary approach, he has developed techniques for interpreting patterns in river networks, used “natural experiments” to measure how climate influences erosion, and explored how life and landscapes have co-evolved.
In the field of planetary science, he has invented new ways to analyze surface features on Mars, Saturn’s moon Titan, and other Solar System worlds. Among other contributions, he revived the hypothesis that Mars once had an ocean and used Titan’s methane rivers and lakes to better understand its geology and climate.
Prof. Perron’s work has been recognized with several honors, including the James B. Macelwane Medal and the Luna B. Leopold Award from the American Geophysical Union, Fellowship in the American Geophysical Union, and a MacArthur Fellowship. He has given more than 120 invited lectures in 16 countries. Originally from the state of Vermont, he holds an AB in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Archaeology from Harvard University and a PhD in Earth and Planetary Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He has been on the faculty at MIT since 2009.
Contact Information
77 Massachusetts Ave
Building 54, Room 1022
Cambridge, MA 02139
Assistant:
Kayla Bauer
kbauer@mit.edu
Opportunities
Prof. Perron is always looking for curious and creative people to join his group as graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or undergraduate researchers.
Graduate studies: The Department of Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences (EAPS) accepts applications for the PhD program each fall. Please visit the department website for more information.
Postdoctoral research: The EAPS department sponsors a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship program with applications due each fall. The MIT School of Science has a cross-disciplinary postdoctoral fellowship, with applications due in fall. MIT is one of 14 potential host institutions for the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship Program in planetary astronomy.
Undergraduate research: If you are interested in a position through MIT’s UROP Program, contact Prof. Perron or a member of his group, attaching a CV/resume and briefly explaining your interests.
Please note that Prof. Perron often receives more inquiries than he can respond to individually; if you are applying for one of the opportunities above and do not receive a reply, please contact Kayla Bauer (kbauer@mit.edu).
The Perron group at MIT 