Elijah Copich (Geology, class of 2025) recently received the Chris Hapke Memorial Fund, which enabled him to present his Senior Thesis research at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC). The poster presentation, Automatic Detection of Martian Scoria Cones Using Deep Learning, introduced a Deep Learning method for identifying a specific type of volcanic vent (i.e., scoria cones) within Valles Marineris, Mars. This work has been carried out under the supervision of Dr. Ian Flynn, and Dr. Daniel Williams. The widespread presence of this volcanic vent within Valles Marineris indicates that explosive volcanism in the region remained active into Mars geologically recent history. Here's a link to his research: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2025/pdf/2292.pdf
“Eli has done an excellent job testing and refining the Deep Learning algorithm. We are excited about his initial science results and can’t wait to see what he presents at his Senior Thesis defense”, said Dr. Ian Flynn co-author on the presentation. Congratulations Elijah!