We are pleased to announce that Professor Jon Aurnou has been appointed the next Chair of the UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS), effective July 1, 2025.
Professor Aurnou joined the EPSS faculty in 2002 as an assistant professor and was promoted to full professor in 2014. A geophysicist whose work focuses on large-scale fluid dynamical phenomena occurring in and on planets, he leads a robust research program while maintaining a deep commitment to undergraduate education. Over the years, he has served as a dedicated undergraduate advisor and developed new courses that expand opportunities for students interested in planetary and space sciences.
“We are very grateful to Jon for taking on this responsibility during a challenging time for higher education. His dedication to research, teaching, and public engagement make him an ideal choice to lead EPSS into the future,” said Miguel García-Garibay, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences.
Professor Aurnou succeeds Professor Carolina Lithgow-Bertelloni, who served as Chair for the past three years. During her tenure, Professor Lithgow-Bertelloni made several key faculty hires, supported strategic development efforts, and helped raise the department’s visibility and impact. We thank her for her leadership and look forward to her continued contributions as a valued member of the faculty.
In his first message as Chair, Professor Aurnou emphasized the department’s mission to understand Earth, the solar system, and beyond. “EPSS continues to provide new insights about the processes that formed our universe and that continue to shape its evolution. Our department is committed to advancing rigorous scientific discovery, multimodal education, and impactful STEAM outreach.” Professor Aurnou also spoke to the exceptionally strong sense of community within the EPSS department. “I am especially proud to lead a department with a culture based on respect, collaboration, and openness to new ideas and methodologies. I intend to build upon these values as we train the next generation of scientists,” he said.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Jon Aurnou on his new appointment as Chair of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences.