Dr. Trang's focuses on integrating remote sensing observations and models to understand the geologic processes and history of planetary surfaces where his work centers on volcanoes and impact craters. His research also concentrates on determining the mineralogic compositions on the surface of rocky bodies through visible to near-infrared spectral modeling. In particular, he has been focused on modeling the degree of space weathering on airless bodies, such as the Moon, Mercury, and the asteroid (101955) Bennu. He was previously a member on two missions, Mini-RF on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and OSIRIS-REx.
In addition to his research in planetary science, he has combined his background with counseling psychology, where he has also been investigating the mental health of the planetary science community as well as helping with creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in planetary science.
Dr. Trang received his undergraduate from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo in 2009 in Astronomy and Geology and received his Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa in 2014. He later continued there as a post-doc and an Assistant Researcher. He will be receiving his M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2023.