Researcher Profiles

Ed Cloutis

Geography Professor

Can you share a brief description of your current research.

Designing and testing Canadian-built rovers and science instruments for future exploration of Mars and the Moon. Conducting lab research in support of current and future planetary exploration missions

In what ways could this research affect the average person?

The instruments we are developing can be adapted for monitoring the Earth's environment. As an example, a project to look for trace gases in the Mars atmosphere from orbit can be adapted for monitoring greenhouse gases on Earth. If these rovers and instruments actually fly to the Moon or Mars it will provide economic benefits to Canadian industry. Also, there is the "cool" factor of Canada running a planetary mission.

For you personally, why do you want to do this kind of research?

It's interesting as heck to me to try and understand the geology of other planets. In the case of Mars, knowing its geology can help us understand whether conditions on its surface were ever suitable for life to have evolved, as well as identifying areas on Mars that have the best chance of hosting life at present or signs of life from the past. I also am attracted to the opportunity to adapt what I do to terrestrial issues (like greenhouse gas buildup).

What is the most satisfying part of this research?

1. Getting to be the first person to make a significant discovery about another planet.
2. Being able to provide interesting research opportunities for UWinnipeg students.
3. Having a world-class lab at UWinnipeg.

What kind of student involvement do you have in this research?

Students have participated in testing Mars rovers at various locations; they also conduct research at Mars-like environments here in Manitoba. They present their research results at international conferences. They produce peer-reviewed papers in leading planetary science journals.

What would you say to students who may be interested in this field of study?

Get a broadly-based science education. Planetary exploration involves aspects of geography, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Never pass up an opportunity to get involved in research.