Christian is senior lecturer in environmental science and planetary exploration at the University of Stirling. He is generally interested in how the (bio)geochemical iron cycle interacts with cycles of nutrient elements such as carbon. This is relevant not only on Earth, where increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere resulting from the burning of fossil fuels are behind global climate change, but also on other planetary bodies such as Mars, where iron minerals may facilitate the preservation of organic matter.
His current projects investigate the role of iron in facilitating transport of carbon from source to sea and its subsequent sequestration in sediments; study the mineralogy and geochemistry of Mars' surface to reconstruct past environmental conditions and their suitability for life; and analyze meteorites found on Mars to see how they interacted with the Martian environment.
He has worked with NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity and is involved in the upcoming ESA ExoMars, a.k.a. Rosalind Franklin, rover.
