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Assistant Teaching Professor of Geology
University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences
Rocks and minerals, the geology of Mars and the Moon, lava flows, science education and outreach
Nick DiFrancesco can speak to the media about the geology of Earth, Mars and the Moon, as well as natural science education and outreach.
His research involves the characterization of rocks and minerals produced by both natural processes and experimentally. Currently, he is studying the properties of glacially transported sediment and rock deposited in the Lake Erie and Ontario basins.
An expert on lunar and Martian geology, DiFrancesco has contributed to research that has determined a possible origin of certain types of volcanic rocks returned from the Moon and identified minerals produced by degassing lava flows or magma chambers on Mars. He’s also conducted research to test the ability of remote spectroscopy to constrain lava flows.
In addition to geology, DiFrancesco has studied the efficacy of different forms of scientific outreach in schools and to the public at large.
Nick DiFrancesco, PhD
Assistant Teaching Professor of Geology
University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences