Alejandro Soto

Alejandro Soto has extensive work experience in the field of atmospheric and climate dynamics of planets with solid surfaces. Alejandro has held various research positions, starting as a Member of Technical Staff at Lockheed Missiles and Space in 1997. Alejandro later worked as a System Engineer/Instrument Engineer at Jet Propulsion Laboratory from 2000 to 2004.

Alejandro then pursued their graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology, where they focused on studying the paleoclimate dynamics of Mars. During this time, they gained expertise in understanding climate stability, precipitation, and heat transport on ancient Mars. Alejandro completed their graduate studies in 2011.

After their graduate studies, Alejandro worked as a Post-Doctoral Scholar at the Colorado School of Mines in 2012 and at the California Institute of Technology in 2012-2013.

In 2013, Alejandro joined Southwest Research Institute, where they have held multiple research positions. Alejandro started as a Postdoctoral Researcher from 2013-2015, then advanced to the role of Research Scientist from 2015-2019, and further to Senior Research Scientist until 2023. Currently, they hold the position of Lead Research Scientist at Southwest Research Institute. Their research at Southwest focuses on studying the atmospheric and climate dynamics of planets with solid surfaces, including Mars, Titan, and exoplanets. Alejandro is involved in the development of atmospheric models and instrument development, specifically focusing on optical instruments for observing planetary atmospheres.

Alejandro Soto has a strong educational background in the field of planetary science. Alejandro obtained their PhD in Planetary Science from Caltech, where they studied from 2004 to 2011. Prior to their doctoral studies, they pursued a Master's degree in Aeronautics & Astronautics at Stanford University from 1998 to 2000. Alejandro built a solid foundation for their academic journey by completing their undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College. At Dartmouth, they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics & Astronomy, which they completed from 1993 to 1997.