Kanani K.M. Lee

Dr. Lee is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Science at the Coast Guard Academy. Her research studies the physical and chemical properties of planetary materials including, but not limited to, the crystal structures and phase diagrams at high-pressure and -temperature conditions. The knowledge of materials at deep interior conditions is key to understanding the formation and evolution of the Earth and planets in general. This, in turn, gives us insight into how a planet’s habitability, or lack thereof, evolves. Techniques used include laser-heated diamond-anvil cells, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, focused ion beam, optical and infrared spectroscopies.

Dr. Lee is actively involved in international scientific societies such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and American Physical Society (APS). Dr. Lee is the author of The Incredible Plate Tectonics Comic: The Adventures of Geo graphic novel series.