CURRENT RESEARCH
My post-graduate research is focused on understanding the effects of ionising radiation on organic matter and biosignatures preserved within Mars-relevant minerals and soils, and on the detection and characterisation of biosignatures using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
OTHER RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am fascinated by the potential habitable niches that might be found on the Outer Solar System, especially on icy water-worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. Europa was the subject of my undergraduate research project 'Biosignature Detection within Earth-Based Analogues for Europa', for which I received Birkbeck, University of London's Planetary Science Award for Best Research Project.
I am also interested in how science can be communicated and taught in creative ways, with a specific interest on how the sense of smell can eliminate psychological and sensory barriers to learning.
PUBLICATIONS
ACCEPTED PROFESSIONAL ABSTRACTS AND CONFERENCE TALKS
My post-graduate research is focused on understanding the effects of ionising radiation on organic matter and biosignatures preserved within Mars-relevant minerals and soils, and on the detection and characterisation of biosignatures using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.
OTHER RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am fascinated by the potential habitable niches that might be found on the Outer Solar System, especially on icy water-worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. Europa was the subject of my undergraduate research project 'Biosignature Detection within Earth-Based Analogues for Europa', for which I received Birkbeck, University of London's Planetary Science Award for Best Research Project.
I am also interested in how science can be communicated and taught in creative ways, with a specific interest on how the sense of smell can eliminate psychological and sensory barriers to learning.
PUBLICATIONS
- Infrared Spectroscopic Detection of Biosignatures at Lake Tírez, Spain: Implications for Mars. Journal: Astrobiology
- AromAtom: sharing science through smell. Astronomy & Geophysics, Oxford University Press
- AromAtom: An Olfactory Approach to Science Communication and Public Engagement. The Biochemist, Portland Press Limited.
ACCEPTED PROFESSIONAL ABSTRACTS AND CONFERENCE TALKS
- The Smell of Space: A Creative Approach to Planetary Science Outreach and Public Engagement. 50th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) 2019, Houston, USA.
- Infrared Spectroscopic Investigation of Biosignatures in Calcium Sulphate Deposits of Tírez Lake: Implications for Mars. NASA and AGU International Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) 2019, Seattle, USA.
- The Smell of Space: A Creative Approach to Planetary Science Outreach and Public Engagement. Royal Astronomical Society RASreach2019, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Degradation of spectroscopic biosignatures by ionising radiation on Mars: Implications for ExoMars 2020. Biennial European Astrobiology Conference (BEACON) 2020, La Palma, Spain.
- Degradation of spectroscopic biosignatures by ionising radiation on Mars: Implications for the search for life on Mars. NASA and AGU International Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) 2022, Atlanta, USA.
