Dr. Mara Attia (they/them)
Astrophysicist, Postdoctoral Researcher in Exoplanet Science
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen
My research focuses on studying the interplay between dynamical and atmospheric phenomena in the long-term evolution of exoplanets close to their stars.
The JADE Code
The JADE (Joining Atmosphere and Dynamics for Exoplanets) code is a sophisticated Python framework for simulating the coupled evolution of exoplanetary atmospheres and orbital dynamics in hierarchical three-body systems.
Designed to study the interplay between photo-evaporation and high-eccentricity migration, JADE has been instrumental in understanding the formation of the Hot Neptune desert and the peculiar orbital architecture of exoplanets like GJ 436 b.
Research
My research focuses on studying the interplay between dynamical and atmospheric phenomena in the long-term evolution of exoplanets close to their stars. I'm currently transitioning toward studying terrestrial planets and interior melting processes, aligning my research closer with ambitious exoplanet missions planned for the coming years.
Orbital Dynamics
Studying secular dynamical evolution and orbital migration pathways of exoplanets, with a focus on how these processes affect their long-term evolution.
Atmospheric Evolution
Investigating atmospheric evaporation processes over time and how they affect macroscopic parameters of irradiated planets.
Interior Mechanisms
Exploring interior melting processes and their impact on the climate evolution of terrestrial exoplanets, particularly in relation to their long-term stability.
Theory
Developing theoretical frameworks to understand the coupling between orbital dynamics and atmospheric processes, with particular emphasis on resonance phenomena and atmospheric escape.
Modeling
Creating numerical simulations and computational models to predict the long-term evolution of exoplanetary systems, using custom-developed codes like JADE to solve coupled differential equations.
Demographics
Analyzing statistical patterns and demographic trends in the exoplanet population, with a focus on identifying evolution pathways that shape observed distributions.
Selected Publications
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A&A 674, A120
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A&A 669, A63
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A&A 647, A40
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Experience
SNF Postdoc.Mobility Fellow, 2025 – Present
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Charting the Evolution of Alien Worlds: Integrating Interior, Atmospheric, and Orbital Processes
In collaboration with Prof. Tim Lichtenberg, this project seeks to scrutinize the main processes affecting the long-term evolution of close-in small exoplanets, namely interior physics and chemistry, atmospheric evaporation, and orbital migration. By assessing their relative roles, we will shed light on the past history of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes altogether at the population level, bringing forward the interplay between the different engines driving their temporal advancement.
Postdoctoral Researcher, 2024 – 2025
Geneva Observatory, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Continuation of PhD research: Coupling the Secular Dynamical and Atmospheric Evolution of Close-in Exoplanets
Central to this project is the interplay between atmospheric evaporation and orbital migration, two pivotal mechanisms governing the evolution of planetary systems. Through both theoretical investigations and observational analyses, this research contributes to the larger understanding of how these dynamic interactions sculpt the diversity of exoplanet populations, in particular the hot Neptune desert.
Grants and Awards
SNF Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship, 2025
SSAA Funding Award, 2022
Virtual Outstanding Presentation Contest Award, Europlanet Science Congress, 2021
Research Internship Award in Astrophysics and Cosmology, École Polytechnique, 2019
Education
PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2021 – 2024
Geneva Observatory, University of Geneva, Switzerland
Thesis: Interplay between dynamical and atmospheric phenomena in exoplanet evolution
Supervisors: Profs. Vincent Bourrier and Emeline Bolmont
MSc in Physics (Astrophysics), 2019 – 2021
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Master Thesis: Primordial magnetic fields during the Epoch of Reionization
Supervisor: Prof. Romain Teyssier
MSc in Science and Engineering, 2016 – 2019
École Polytechnique (Paris), France
Research Internship: Exoplanetary atmospheres and orbital architectures
Supervisors: Profs. Vincent Bourrier and David Ehrenreich
Teaching & Supervision
Teaching
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Spring 2023Teaching Assistant for "Planetary Atmospheres" and "Planetary Formation and Evolution" courses, University of Geneva
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Spring 2022Teaching Assistant for "Planetary Atmospheres" course, University of Geneva
Supervision
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May 2023 – June 2023Co-supervised Léonie Hoerner (Université de Lorraine) for a Master internship on modeling exoplanetary water atmospheres
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April 2022 – August 2022Co-supervised Théo Vrignaud (École polytechnique, Paris) for a Master thesis on the analysis of the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect of ultra-short-period rocky exoplanets
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February 2022 – June 2022Supervised Leon Kwok (University of Geneva) for a Master project on exoplanetary dynamical tides
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November 2021 - March 2022Supervised Aymeric Carchereux (University of Geneva) for a Bachelor project on exoplanetary radius pulsations induced by the Kozai–Lidov mechanism
Press
- 2025, University of Geneva: Observational tango reveals a Super-Earth. Press release about the detection of TOI-512 b, a transiting planet discovered using TESS and ESPRESSO, which occupies the transition range between super-Earths and mini-Neptunes.
- 2023, ESO: Where did all the Neptunes go? Blog article about our contribution to the understanding of the role of high-eccentricity migration in shaping the hot Neptune desert through the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect.
- 2023, University of Geneva: Tumultuous migration on the edge of the Hot Neptunes Desert. Press release about the detection and analysis of the Rossiter–McLaughlin signature in a sample of planets located around the hot Neptune desert.