Dr. Fries' research interests include petrographic analysis of silicate, opaque and volatile phases in meteorites, interplanetary dust, and returned cometary samples primarily using Raman spectroscopic imaging to constrain formation and metamorphic conditions. This work extends to the study of terrestrial impact-related samples, where Raman spectroscopy is used to identify and analyze high pressure/high temperature shock-derived phases to constrain impact conditions. Other work includes characterization of kerogens and volatiles such as sulfides and light organic compounds from venues of astrobiological interest such as hot springs, fossil materials and terrestrial mantle xenoliths to assess their viability as microbial hosts and/or as sources of light organic compounds in the origin of life. These studies are also carried into the field via portable Raman spectrometers for in-situ characterization. Dr. Fries also tests portable Raman technology and techniques for future manned and unmanned space flight missions.