Dr. Pavlov is interested in the origin and evolution of life on Earth
and the possibility of life elsewhere. Specifically, he studies how
different planetary environments and climates can promote or hinder life.
Venus, Earth and Mars are very similar. However, only Earth
has been able to harbor life for billions of years. Is it possible that
Mars was warmer and Venus cooler back in the past? What does it mean for a
planet to be habitable? What are the major environmental dangers for the
existing biosphere? How hard is it to sustain life on a planet for
any meaningful period of time?
Dr. Pavlov seeks answers to these life-long questions using various
computer models and geologic data.
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