R. Aileen Yingst is an American geologist and senior scientist for the Planetary Science Institute as well as an Investigator on the Perseverance rover's SHERLOC instrument for NASA.

[3][4] While in graduate school, Yingst was part of a team that received funding to work on NASA's Clementine lunar project.

[6] From 2002 to 2006, she held the roles of Secretary Treasurer, Vice-chair and Chair of the Planetary Division of the Geological Society of America.

The MEPAG is a scientific community-based group that helps to analyze and determine Mars exploration supporting NASA's interplanetary travel initiatives.

[10] She is a geologist and senior scientist at the nonprofit Planetary Science Institute, an organization that partners with NASA.