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Nicholas Kutsop

@nicholaskutsop

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Planetary scientist specializing in spectrophotometry, remote sensing, and icy world research.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking research- or mission-focused roles where I can apply spectrophotometry, remote sensing, and data analysis to advance planetary exploration while mentoring students and collaborating across teams.

I am a planetary scientist with a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from Cornell University and extensive experience in spectrophotometry, remote sensing, and mission science for icy worlds such as Titan, Pluto, and Europa. I have served on mission teams (Europa Clipper), held research and postdoctoral appointments, and contributed first-author publications in Icarus and Planetary Science Journal.

I combine strong technical skills (MATLAB, image processing, geospatial analysis, SPICE) with grant-funded research and teaching experience, mentoring graduate students and participating in outreach. I seek to advance mission science, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration on planetary exploration projects.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

AI Contractor

Current

Mercor

Jan 2025 - Present (8 months)

Develops and applies AI models and tools to scientific and engineering workflows as an external contractor, improving automation and analysis throughput for research projects.

Machine Learning Python Data Analysis Scientific Computing Matlab

Visiting Scholar

Cornell University

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted independent research in planetary science, contributed to ongoing mission science activities, and delivered guest lectures and mentorship to graduate students.

Planetary Science Remote Sensing Data Analysis Matlab Mission Science Mentoring

Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Idaho

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year 11 months)

Led postdoctoral research on planetary atmospheres and surface spectroscopy, producing peer-reviewed publications and supervising student researchers.

Remote Sensing Data Analysis Python Matlab Scientific Writing Mentoring

Research Associate

Cornell University

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Conducted research on spectrophotometric properties of icy worlds, contributed to mission team activities, and co-authored multiple publications from 2022–2023.

Planetary Science Image Processing Matlab Data Analysis

Contract Researcher

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Jan 2015 - Dec 2020 (5 years 11 months)

Supported planetary mission science and data analysis tasks, contributing to instrument teams and mission science objectives between 2015 and 2020.

Planetary Data Analysis Remote Sensing Matlab

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Cornell University

Doctor of Philosophy, Planetary Science

Activities and societies: Thesis advisors: Alexander Hayes, Jonathan Lunine, Christophe Sotin; guest lecturer and teaching assistant roles at Cornell; member of mission teams and research projects.

Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology; thesis on spectrophotometric properties of icy worlds completed in July 2022.

Northern Arizona University

Bachelor of Science, Physics and Astronomy

Grade: Summa Cum Laude

Activities and societies: Advisors: Nadine Barlow, David Trilling; teaching assistant and outreach activities; recipient of departmental and university scholarships and awards.

Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy with a minor in Mathematics, awarded Summa Cum Laude in December 2013.