Patricia Solana Gonzalez
Short Bio
Patricia Solana Gonzalez is a PhD student in Earth System Science in the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University, specializing in planetary geology, impact crater modeling, GIS and numerical simulations of planetary surface processes. Her research focuses on using hydrocode simulations and GIS-based analysis to study impact crater formation and evolution on planetary surfaces, with particular interest in Mars and marine-target impact structures. She also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and is interested in geoscience education, remote sensing and data science applications in Earth and planetary sciences.
Education
PhD, Earth System Science Auburn University Expected 2027
MS, Exploration of Hydrocarbons and Mineral Resources Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Complutense University of Madrid) 2023
BS, Geological Sciences Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Complutense University of Madrid) 2022
Graduate Certificate in Data Science Auburn University 2026
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Science (GISc) Auburn University 2025
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems Science (GISc) Auburn University 2025
Professional Experience
Patricia is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University. She has served in this role across six academic terms, teaching more than 400 undergraduate students and receiving positive student feedback. Her teaching experience includes leading weekly undergraduate geoscience laboratory sessions focused on Earth processes, geological interpretation, spatial reasoning and hands-on learning. She also assesses student work, provides constructive feedback and supports students in developing analytical and problem-solving skills.
Prior to joining Auburn University, Patricia worked as a geology intern with the Spanish Official Professional Geologists Association in Madrid, Spain. In this role, she contributed to the development of a geothermal projects database for the European CROWDTHERMAL project, supported document archive digitization and gained experience in professional geological project organization.
Innovation
Patricia’s research focuses on planetary geology, impact cratering and numerical modeling of planetary surface processes. Her PhD work uses iSALE2D hydrocode simulations and GIS-based analysis to investigate impact crater formation, crater morphology, material excavation and post-impact geological evolution.
Her current research includes modeling impact processes relevant to Jezero Crater on Mars and investigating the effects of projectile structure, porosity and geometry on marine-target impact crater formation, including Lockne Crater in Sweden. Her broader research interests include Mars geology, impact-generated hydrothermal systems, rubble-pile asteroids, remote sensing, crater morphometry and the use of numerical modeling to interpret planetary surfaces.
Engagement
Patricia is interested in supporting international students and contributing to an inclusive academic environment. As an international graduate student, she has experience navigating the transition to graduate study in the United States and is willing to support incoming students as they adjust to life, coursework, research and teaching at Auburn University.
Technical Skills
Numerical Modeling: iSALE2D, HYDROTHERM
GIS & Remote Sensing: ArcGIS Pro, spatial analysis, remote sensing
Data & Databases: R, SQL, statistical learning, database systems
Research Methods: impact crater morphometry, planetary surface analysis, geological mapping
Conference Presentations and Abstracts
Solana, P., King, D. T., Jr., & Agrawal, V. (2025). Studying the evolution of Jezero Crater using hydrocode simulations. Poster presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
Solana, P., Agrawal, V., Ormö, J., Sturkell, E., Herreros, I., & King, D. T., Jr. (2026). Hydrocode simulations of the Lockne Crater using rubble-pile asteroids with variable internal structure. Poster presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference.
Ormö, J., Sturkell, E., Solana Gonzalez, P., Herreros, I., Agrawal, V., & King, D. T., Jr. (2026). Anatomy of a marine-target impact structure by a “rubble-pile” asteroid in field observations, impact experiments and numerical simulation. EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, May 3–8, 2026, EGU26-5048.
Ormö, J., Sturkell, E., Solana Gonzalez, P., Herreros, I., Agrawal, V., & King, D. T., Jr. (2026). Lockne: A layered-target impact structure from a rubble-pile impactor analysed in field observations, impact experiments and numerical simulation. Conference abstract, EPSC 2026.
Awards and Honors
Graduate Teaching Fellowship, Auburn University
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
