Elizabeth’s love for science and space exploration was ignited in 7th grade, and now, a college student, she continues building her future as she works on achieving her dream to become a NASA Astrobiologist. Is there life beyond Earth? And if so, How can we detect it? Join my guest Elizabeth, a Junior in college, as she takes us thru her journey in Astrobiology—the study of life on Earth and in space, and shares her experience in the NASA summer programs and beyond.
Astrobiologists are looking for life in other planets while including the study of life on Earth. The study is a combination of astronomy, geology, biology, and other branches of science to investigate the possibility of life in other worlds, as they explore how life evolves on the molecular, organism, and ecosystem levels on Earth.
Time Stamp:
00:17 About Elizabeth
01:37 The Start of Her Journey…What is in that package?
02:10 The naysayers, stopping temporarily and restarting the journey
02:26 NASA Student Program
03:52 NASA Program Mission
04:23 Surrounding yourself with like-minded people
05:12 Importance of the Science Communicator- learning from Dr. Crystal Dilworth, Molecular Neuroscientist
05:56 The World of Astrobiology- A Fascinating Field
06:48 Choosing Astrobiology Major – Inspired by a lecture from Dr. Michael Meyer – Lead Scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program
09:03 Looking for The Possibility of Life in Mars:
09:50 Extremophiles - microorganisms
11:15 Noachian Period – Water in Mars
11:40 Biosignatures – Microscopic Fossils
12:18 Missions: Perseverance Rover and Instruments:
12:39 SuperCam: Examine Rocks and Soils
14:09 MEDA Instrument: Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer Weather Measurements
14:27 SHERLOC– Searches for Biosignatures
15:10 Preparing to be a Researcher, an Astrobiologist, and Contributing to the World of Science
17:02 Hunger for Learning – Searching for Answers
18:45 Other Missions: Europa – A Moon with an Ocean Below its Surface
19:34 Looking at the Stars and the Discovery of What is Out There
20:08 Space Exploration Program and Her Passion for Science
21:32 Message to Young Girls
22:54 Learning Complimentary Subjects: Engineering , Code and More
24:52 What’s Next: Continuing Her Journey
27:38 Closing: Listen to Your Inner Voice and Dream Big
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