Dr. Stephen Elardo is a petrologist, geochemist, and planetary scientist that uses a variety of experimental and analytical techniques and sample types to answer large-scale questions about the origin and evolution of the terrestrial planets. He specializes in using high-temperature and pressure experimental techniques to recreate the conditions inside rocky planets on laboratory scales and combing the results with detailed studies of planetary materials and non-traditional stable isotopes to gain a more complete picture of planetary evolution. He is particularly interested in planetary differentiation processes, the formation of early planetary crusts, and the geologic evolution of the Moon.