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Nicolas Dauphas Profile
Nicolas Dauphas

@TheCosmiChemist

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Cosmic chemist. The more I understand the Universe, the less it makes sense.

Chicago
Joined October 2023
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
7 months
It is with a heavy heart and profound emotion that I announce the passing of my beloved spouse, Reika Yokochi, who left us at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with EGFR-positive lung cancer @EGFRResisters , a disease that disproportionately affects non-smoking Asian women.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
7 months
C'est avec le cœur lourd et une grande émotion que je fais part du décès de mon épouse bien-aimée Reika Yokochi, qui nous a quittés à l'âge de 48 ans après un courageux combat contre un cancer du poumon EGFR-positif, une maladie qui affecte de manière disproportionnée les femmes
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
7 months
私の最愛の伴侶であった横地玲果が、EGFR陽性肺がん(非喫煙のアジア人女性に不釣り合いな病気)との勇気ある闘病の末、48歳でこの世を去ったことを、謹んでお知らせいたします。玲果は並外れた伴侶であり、献身的な母親であり、著名な科学者でした。
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
1 month
Former PhD student Nicole Nie @NicoleNie5734 , now assistant professor at MIT, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Nier Prize of the Meteoritical Society. Congratulations Nicole! 🎉 🎖️
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
🚨 New paper alert! 🚨 In our recent study (Treatise in Geochemistry chapter, in press), we explore the iron biogeochemical cycle from the Archean era to the present. Our findings show that the residence time of iron in modern oceans is approximately 5 years, in stark contrast to
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
Truly humbled to join such an esteemed assembly. Thanks to everyone who nominated and supported me. Today is a day for gratitude.🍾
@theNASciences
National Academy of Sciences
4 months
We are thrilled to announce the election of 120 members and 24 international members to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their distinguished and continued achievements in original research. Congratulations to our new #NASmembers and welcome to the Academy!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
🌑 Just Published: 'Origin of the Moon' in RiMG. This article led by Robin Canup & Kevin Righter achieves the remarkable feat of summarizing often contradictory views on the origin of the Moon. Despite its proximity, the Moon remains one of the most enigmatic objects in the solar
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
A night of celebration with the kids, tinged with the absence of Reika. Though bittersweet, we embrace the joys of life whenever and wherever they appear.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Climbed Fuji-san today! 🌋Took a day trip from Tokyo by bus. A bit tight but totally worth it. The MMX t-shirt powered me to the summit! 😊 @mmx_jaxa_jp @mmx_jaxa_en @tomohiro_usui @ISAS_JAXA @ShogoCitrus
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
All sound advice. For most people, a scientific career is more a rugged mountain trek than a stroll through a rose garden, so keep in mind #13 . Science is fun!
@ardemp
Ardem Patapoutian
8 months
I wrote down my rules on how to Science. I hope you find it useful!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
18 days
Reunion for the 20th anniversary of the Origins Lab. Grateful for the contributions of all lab members. And proud of what they have achieved on their own after leaving Chicago.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
The significance of Mars samples to scientific exploration cannot be overstated. MSR has the potential not only to advance our scientific and technological frontiers but also to rekindle society's connection with the narrative of scientific progress. 1/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
Want to hear how water shaped the isotopic composition of a cosmic mudball? Yokoyama-san's lab has analyzed samples from asteroid Ryugu and has figured it out. 💧 Water's action on Ryugu is clear—altering chromium isotopes and forming carbonates about 5 million years post-solar
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
3 months
Visiting my good friend Shogo @ShogoCitrus at The University of Tokyo @eps_UTokyo , the Mecca of experimental cosmochemistry. So much inspiring science!!! 🤯
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
3 months
Congrats to James for defending his PhD! An exceptional geochemist/cosmochemist with a strong applied math foundation. He’ll be seeking a more permanent position soon —don’t miss out.
@OriginsLab
Origins Lab
3 months
Congratulations to Dr. James Zhang on successfully defending his PhD dissertation. He now moves on to join a postdoc position at MIT. Wish you the best in all your endeavors!!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
5 months
Congrats to Dr. Camilla Liu on her PhD defense! Her research showed that despite shifts in day length, tides, wind stress, and continental configuration through Earth's history, the ocean mixing timescale changed little. As she embarks on her next venture as an entrepreneur,
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 days
PhD student Liu shows it took ~1000 years for oceans to mix throughout Earth's history—despite changes in day length, pressure, continents, and tides. In the Archean, deep-sea hydrothermal Nd was mixed with benthic fluxes, challenging the hydrothermal origin of iron formations.
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@EAG_
EAG
9 days
New in #GPLetters : Liu et al. reveal a relatively constant ocean mixing timescale through Earth’s history, challenging prevailing theories on the origin of iron formations. Read more here: #OpenAccess @OriginsLab @TheCosmiChemist @xliu98
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
A beautiful portrait by Stéphanie Bazylak @stefdunewspaper in Ouest France @OuestFrance today. It is an opportunity for many to add « cosmochemistry » to their vocabulary and perhaps inspire new careers.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
New paper alert📢📰: Scientists from Princeton @GeosciencesPU , UCLA @UCLAEPSS , ASU @SESEASU , Bern @unibern , and UChicago @OriginsLab have united to refine the initial Hf isotopic composition of independently dated extraterrestrial zircons. This teamwork has enabled us to advance
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
Diversity is crucial at all organizational levels, as it minimizes blind spots and provides a diverse spectrum of skills crucial for tackling complex, multidimensional problems. The U.S. is a testament to the benefits of diversity, demonstrating that it fosters a more productive
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
UChicago encampment has ended. Calls to globalize intifada are direct threats and do not belong on campuses. And the campers had forgotten how it all started, with the murder, rape, and kidnapping of far too many civilians. Peace.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Outstanding visit to Tokyo Tech today! @tokyotech_en Yoko’s lab is where the magic happened, discovering Ryugu’s CI connection. @haya2_jaxa @ISAS_JAXA Got a sneak peek of very interesting new data from his lab. We do measurements to be surprised!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
New publication alert: Justin Hu, PhD @OriginsLab , now a postdoc at Cambridge U @EarthSciCam , has developed a precise method to measure isotopic variations in 8 rare earth elements. Funded primarily by the DOE @doescience , this research paves the way for breakthroughs in
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
Another 940 million kilometer journey around the Sun has come to an end. It has been a challenging year for many, marked by avoidable pain and suffering caused by a lack of effective leadership. Let's hold hope for a brighter 2024. We have a series of fascinating studies in the
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
🌌 Isotopic trichotomy. Studies of isotopes in meteorites and asteroids have revealed three unique groups: NC, CC, and CI. The CC and CI clusters likely originated from the outer solar system and found their way to the main asteroid belt due to the gravitational influence of
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Inspiring visit to JAXA @ISAS_JAXA with @tomohiro_usui and @ShogoCitrus . It’s astonishing that only 19 years have passed since Hayabusa returned samples from Itokawa. JAXA’s missions are incredibly strong and imaginative. They truly understand that science should be playful.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
Incredibly rewarding to watch Kensei and Saori perform with the CYSO @ChiYSO . The Debut Orchestra delivered a stunning rendition of “Danses Bacchanales” by Camille Saint-Saëns.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
1 month
Fantastic study by @MelanieBarboni ! The peak in the age distribution of lunar zircons at 4.34 Ga spans only ~4 Myr. This aligns with other dates, suggesting a major impact resetting event linked to the formation of the SPA basin.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Had a fantastic time presenting at the University of Tokyo @eps_UTokyo ! Received lots of thought-provoking, open-ended questions that I'm still mulling over. 🤔
@ShogoCitrus
橘 省吾 | Shogo Tachibana
2 months
Nicolas Dauphas (Univ. Chicago) gave a truly intriguing lecture on the Earth-Moon system at U. Tokyo! Thank you, Nicolas! @TheCosmiChemist
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 days
Last day with the Origins Lab of James Zhang, a hugely talented geochemist and experimental petrologist. While we are sad to see him go 😢, he will start a postdoc at @eapsMIT next week to work with Prof. Nicole Nie. Stay on the lookout for great science from that team!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
🎼 Seeing my daughter and her peers perform Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' with the CYSO Debut Orchestra was a vivid reminder of how classical music can uplift and inspire the soul. #CYSO #MozartMagic
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
It’s a wrap! I spent a month at UTokyo—such a vibrant place! I leave inspired and thankful for the opportunity to have engaged with great minds and eager students! Arigato gozaimasu! @ShogoCitrus @tomohiro_usui @UTOPS2 @eps_UTokyo
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
Enjoyed a fantastic day out with the lab team @OriginsLab for our annual retreat! This year's highlight was Lake Michigan's shores at Mount Baldy, just an hour from Chicago. We had perfect weather and the beautiful autumn foliage was in full display. #LabRetreat #AutumnVibes
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
The Be-La-U-rich spherules found in the deep sea sparked thoughts of interstellar origins. But it turns out their chemical composition aligns more with earthly coal ash than cosmic material. The Fe isotopes also suggested a solar system origin. #Astrophysics #EarthScience
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
With the kids enjoying stunning art and architecture on Naoshima Island, Japan.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Obon festival in Ueno. Takoyaki and beer. Simple summer pleasures! 😁
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
A bit chilly out there 🥶 #chicago
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
4. Technologically, the retrieval of Martian samples is a precursor to human exploration (and our transition to an interplanetary species @elonmusk ). We have yet to overcome the gravitational pull of another planet, and returning samples from Mars would be a prudent step. 5/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
Disturbed by chants of ‘From the river to the sea’ and the unholy alliance between religion and politics on the UofC campus today. Such slogans do not represent a path to peace or justice.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
While the possibility of detecting signs of past life is slim, it cannot be ignored. The United States and Europe stand at a pivotal juncture, facing a decision to join an endeavor far greater than themselves. 6/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
Diversity must flourish. Yet, for this to happen, DEI must be dismantled. Its demise would not be a loss; after all, only a bureaucrat would lament the fall of an acronym.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Miyajima is just stunning. Got to witness the Kangensai festival in the afternoon after climbing Mt Misen with the kids in the morning.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
Merry Christmas
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
1 month
Congratulations Debarun!
@GeoSci_UChicago
UChicago GeoSci
1 month
Graduate student Debarun Mukherjee was recently awarded a 2024 Quad Fellowship! He's one of only two UChicago students to receive the honor this year. Congratulations, Debarun!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
The University of Chicago exemplifies true free speech on campus; enabling peaceful expression and learning from diverse perspectives (pictured: Israeli and Palestinian flags side by side at the UofC Quad, displayed without invective or threat). It is obvious, yet worth
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
5 months
Enjoyed a fantastic retrospective of Nicole Eisenman’s work at the MCA. There’s a literary depth in her art, capturing stories from a recent yet bygone era.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
Starting the day with the kids at the #ThanksgivingParade in Chicago was a reminder of the city's beauty and its incredible community spirit. Feeling grateful for these moments and the vibrant heart of #Chicago ! 🎈🍁
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
Visited the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, featuring Le Corbusier’s only project in Japan (1959).
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
2. Even if evidence of life is not found, understanding the habitability of the Jezero crater lake would be a significant leap forward. Many critical questions demand the nuanced study of returned samples—for example, determining the chronology of aqueous activity on Mars. 3/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
Prior to 1956, 'Out of Many, One' served as the unofficial motto of the United States, symbolizing the unity of diverse states and people into a single nation. Given the current climate, there might be merit in rekindling this aspiration, reminding us of the strength and unity
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
Fall in Chicago
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
New paper alert! PhD student Justin Hu, now at Cambridge U, has explored neutron capture effects in lunar regolith, using a stochastic model of impact gardening. This breakthrough helps us understand the resurfacing history of airless bodies like the Moon. @NASA @EarthSciCam
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
3. The history of Mars will be further elucidated. The MSR's collection of sediments, sourced from the extensive drainage basin and distant areas for wind-blown particles, broadens the mission's scope well beyond Jezero Crater. 4/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
1. Focusing on differences rather than our shared humanity has led to tragic consequences, including genocides, a costly lesson from the history of the 20th century. Yet, today's education system highlights identities and immutable characteristics, teaching children to view
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
1 month
Did you know the Moon had a thin atmosphere? NASA's $280M LADEE mission improved our understanding, but its origin remained unclear. Using Apollo samples, former PhD student @NicoleNie5734 shows that micrometeorite impacts produce this atmosphere.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
Reflecting on the complexities of plagiarism, a story from an interview with Wally Broecker comes to mind. I would side with Broecker on this one. Don Carr wrote a paper, like a review paper, and in it he actually took a sentence word for word out of a paper that Craig had
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
11 months
🌍 Planetary Accretion Deep Dive 🌠
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
3. DEI has been co-opted by lobby groups, overshadowing universal challenges like poverty or disability with more visible identity markers.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
2. DEI, as an ideology without room for contradiction, creates a homogeneity of thought. Through training and DEI statements, academia shapes new hires to adhere to specific ideas. This is problematic as people's opinions on one issue (like DEI) often indicate their stance on
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
5 months
On Friday, we headed to the CSO, excited for Yuja Wang and the debut of Klaus Mäkelä, expecting Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 2. But after Mäkelä and Wang’s unexpected split, that was off. 1/2
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
Wise words written. US academia is facing challenges with ideologies that often create division and may not be sustainable. The future of US campuses as centers of knowledge creation and human understanding is indeed at stake. Consider this insightful perspective:
@TheFIREorg
FIRE
9 months
🧵: In every crisis is an opportunity. As confidence in higher ed reaches historic lows, it is time for campus leaders to re-establish their institutions as communities devoted to the discovery, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge. Here’s where they should start ⬇️
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
1. The paramount goal is to seek evidence of extraterrestrial life, an endeavor comparable in magnitude to the Copernican revolution. 2/6
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
5 months
Instead, we were treated to Zinovjev's Batteria, along with Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1 by Sol Gabetta and Symphony No. 10. The kids (and me) were especially thrilled by Batteria's raw energy and the sheer power of the orchestra. 2/2
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
A morning run with AC/DC’s « Thunderstruck » blasting in the headphones is like a cleanse for the mind. A perfect dose of « who gives a f**k ». 🤘
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 months
Echoing @FareedZakaria 's wise words: It's crucial for educational institutions within the anglosphere to reevaluate their approaches to uphold credibility with parents, taxpayers, and the international community. The challenge of indoctrination extends beyond higher education;
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
Give Thanks.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
9 days
Reflections on US Politics and Academia: • Trust what you see; in governance, actions reveal more than words. • Those in power often mistake movement for vision.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
A serene escape at the tip of South Chicago, reachable by a ride through the city. Park 566, once the bustling U.S. Steel's South Works, now offers tranquility amidst prairies and savannas. A true urban oasis, perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. #ChicagoGems #Park566
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
@minwadhwa @theNASciences Thank you so much, Mini! I'm truly humbled to join such an esteemed assembly.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
8 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
It’s that time of the year… when the veil between worlds is the thinnest 🎃👻
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
3 months
@ShogoCitrus So much fun Shogo! Itadakimasu!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
@ShogoCitrus Thanks Shogo for organizing this lecture. There were great questions and comments!!! It was a pleasure to talk in front of such a distinguished audience!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
This week, China aims to return a sample from the lunar South Pole-Aitken basin, marking a potential scientific milestone. Meanwhile, back on US campuses…
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
@FynboJohan In the US, the NAS has a very important advisory role on science with decision makers. In planetary science, the decadal survey provides the framework for resource allocations. And a lot of its work involves individuals from the broader scientific community, not just its members.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
11 months
A great quarter finale in Rugby World Cup. #RugbyWorldCup
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
3 months
@ShogoCitrus Thank you so much Shogo for your hospitality! So many outstanding students and innovative projects!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
3 months
@minwadhwa @UChicago @FieldMuseum @AstroDocScott Thanks for sharing Mini! Great memories of Tosh Mayeda at coffee with Bob Clayton and Roy Lewis. She was an outstanding scientist. So glad to see her recognized in this manner!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
@ShogoCitrus Thanks Shogo for organizing this visit of JAXA! Very productive discussions! It is amazing what JAXA has been able to achieve with returned samples. Hats off!
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
10 months
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
4 months
@ShogoCitrus Thanks Shogo! Reika would surely be pleased.
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@TheCosmiChemist
Nicolas Dauphas
2 months
@minwadhwa I know what an experimental scientist would do :) Enjoy the COSPAR meeting!
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