Artemis II returns to Earth late tomorrow afternoon, April 10, with Franklin–connected innovation on board. Jeff Pilgrim (B.S., chemistry, ’95), a University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences alumnus, designed a laser spectroscopy instrument that monitors cabin air aboard the Orion spacecraft, helping safeguard astronauts on deep-space missions. This achievement underscores the impact of Franklin-trained scientists on space exploration and the collaborative effort required to turn complex science into real-world solutions.

Pilgrim earned his Ph.D. under Professor Michael Duncan in the Department of Chemistry, where he honed his expertise in time-of-flight mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy in supersonic molecular beams. This work laid the foundation for a career at the intersection of scientific research and real-world application. 

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