Summary
Astrobiology & Planetary science
I have a geochemistry background, with experience researching the generation of hydrogen and oxygen from rock water reactions in extreme environments and the ancient Earth. I linked the products of these geochemical reactions to extremophilic life and the habitability of ancient or extraterrestrial environments.
I am now a member of the Imperial College Organic Geochemistry group, continuing to link geochemistry to life. My research focuses on biosignature preservation in various environments, particularly Mars. I focus on abiotic processes that generate false biosignatures, such as polymerisation, adsorption and desorption, and Fischer-Tropsch-Type reactions. My research helps to make better sense of ancient signs of life in the rock record and figure out how to find ancient life on Mars.
Planetary science and climate change
I am passionate about the role of the space community in tackling climate change. In a policy report for the Space Generation Advisory Council, I outlined the role of the planetary science community in developing novel techniques and knowledge to help us limit the impacts of the climate crisis. The report is now the official policy position of the Space Generation Advisory Council and was presented to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs in September last year.
Biography
PhD in Organic Geochemistry, Imperial College London, 2022-present
Freelance Scientific Illustrator, 2021-2022
MRes in Environmental Geoscience, Newcastle University, 2020-2021
BSc in Zoology, Aberystwyth University, 2017-2020
Research interests
- Mechanochemistry
- Organic Geochemistry
- Astrobiology
- Planetary Science
works
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-32129-y
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgeoc.2023.1180893
https://spacegeneration.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/SGAC-Report-on-Space-for-Climate-Action.pdf