Research in this area focuses on relating what is known about the origin of life on Earth to the potential for the origin and establishment of life under conditions prevailing on other planetary bodies and basic research on the formation and retention of biosignatures under non-Earth conditions (e.g., Mars, Europa). This includes studies that constrain or extend concepts of possible chemical evolution relevant to the origin, evolution, and distribution of life. As part of the focus on biosignatures, this area includes research on the forms in which prebiotic organic matter formed on planetary surfaces has been preserved and the range of planetary environments
amenable to life.

Biosignature studies of samples from Earth sites thought to be analogues of other planetary environments that might potentially harbor life will be considered as part of NASA’s broader interest in the search for life in the Universe.
Applicants who apply for this research opportunity and are subsequently selected for an NPP award are expected to attend the Astrobiology Graduate Conference (AbGradCon) and/or the Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) using the travel funds that are conferred as part of the NPP award.

Field of Science: Astrobiology

Advisors:

Jeffrey Marlow
jjmarlow@bu.edu
626-319-8161

Cynthia Silveira
cynthiasilveira@miami.edu
305-284-6220

Cornelia Rasmussen
crasmussen@utexas.edu
385-722-6299

Elisabeth Hausrath
Elisabeth.Hausrath@unlv.edu
702-895-1134

Aude Picard
audeamelie.picard@unlv.edu
857-498-8107

Marisa Palucis
marisa.c.palucis@dartmouth.edu
603-646-2666

Eligibility is currently open to:

• U.S. Citizens;
• U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
• Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
• Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.