Carroll College students have developed a method to fabricate solar panels using minerals found on Mars, specifically the so-called “Martian blueberries,” which are hematite spherules first discovered by NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity in 2004. Their research, funded by NASA and published in the July 2025 issue of IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, explores how these Martian minerals could be used to produce electricity directly on the planet’s surface.
Dr. John Rowley, associate professor of chemistry at Carroll College, explained the purpose of this work: “The long-term goal of this NASA-funded research is to support space exploration by developing strategies to generate electricity on Mars. In the paper, we demonstrate one method of fabricating solar panels from minerals already present on the Martian surface, thus avoiding the need to transport heavy materials from Earth.”
Three undergraduate students at Carroll College conducted experiments under Dr. Rowley’s guidance. They tested methods for making solar cells from three iron-containing minerals similar to those found on Mars. The resulting proof-of-concept solar cells had low efficiency but demonstrated that light-absorbing components could be made quickly and easily from minimally processed resources available on Mars.
Over two summers, the students worked full-time in the laboratory and presented their findings at national conferences. Their achievements included winning awards such as the John Van Zytveld Award in the Physical Sciences at the Murdock College Science Research Conference and a poster prize at the American Chemical Society Western Conference.
Reflecting on her experience, Maggie Bailey, class of 2023 and now a biochemistry PhD candidate at Montana State University, said: “This opportunity taught me how to approach open-ended scientific problems with creativity and persistence. I learned to adapt when experiments didn’t go as planned and gained a deeper appreciation for the iterative nature of scientific discovery. Working with Professor Rowley solidified my interest in science and research, showing me how fundamental research can lead to real-world applications. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and teamwork that made this project possible—it played a key role in shaping my career path.”
Elliot Wald, class of 2024 and currently a neuroscience PhD candidate at Washington State University, added: “The opportunity to work in Professor Rowley’s lab helped me discover that scientific research is a complex but rewarding endeavor. Even on days when progress isn’t linear, you know that asking the next question will cause something new to happen! Perseverance is arguably more important than the knowledge you have going into a project because you will be learning throughout the entire process. Working with Professor Rowley, Maggie, and Tim solidified my love of research and guided me towards pursuing a graduate degree in neuroscience.”
Tim Radosevich, class of 2023 and now a medical student at the University of Washington, commented: “This research laid the groundwork for my current endeavors. I’ve come to view medical school as a big experiment on oneself—one that demands fast-paced learning, heightened empathy, the exploration of difficult and philosophical questions, and the development of leadership skills. Through my mentoring and work on this project, I gained invaluable skills in systematic data recording, drawing conclusions, and implementing small yet meaningful changes based on my findings. These experiences have helped me effectively reflect on myself as a student and future practitioner, guiding my transition and growth.”
Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, interim co-president of Carroll College said: “This publication reflects Carroll College’s deep commitment to hands-on undergraduate research. Our students are not only contributing to science but gaining skills that set them apart in graduate school, medical school, and beyond. It is inspiring to see how their curiosity and perseverance lead to discoveries with real-world impact.”
The full article can be accessed through IEEE Xplore (https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10914523). Additional information about Carroll College’s science programs is available at www.carroll.edu.
