Jan is the CEO of Agnostic Life Finding Association Inc., (ALFA). Jan is the senior research scientist at the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (Alachua, Florida). He is a molecular biologist, analytical chemist, and organic chemist with a focus on the study of life on Mars and the clouds of Venus. He is the inventor and lead designer of the Agnostic Life Finder (ALF). Jan proposed a hypothesis about the organic carbon cycle in the atmosphere of Venus, which will be tested in the first private interplanetary mission in 2025. He is also involved in developing life detection devices, including ones to detect the coronavirus. Jan has extensive research experience and has worked on analytical electrochemistry of modified and natural DNA at the Czech Academy of Sciences and the Central European Institute of Technology in the Czech Republic. He has also been a visiting researcher at several institutions including the Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center in Aarhus, Denmark, the Department of NanoEngineering at the University of California, San Diego in San Diego, California, and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry in Eugene, Oregon. Jan holds a Doctorate in Genomics and Proteomics and Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Outside of science, Jan bicycled around the Baltic Sea and across the Australian continent, 7500 kilometers in all. Co-author of primordialscoop.org  

Chris Temby serves as President and Chairman of the Board for Agnostic Life Finding Association Inc. (ALFA). Chris received his Bachelors of Science degree in Physics, with minor degrees in (1) Astronomy & Planetary Sciences and (2) History, from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Florida (UF) studying Martian conditions, and developing astrobiology technologies to search for unambiguous signs of extant alien life. As a certified private pilot and PADI scuba divemaster, Chris is an aspiring astrobiologist and astronaut. His academic interests lie within the intersection of geobiology and geochemistry to better understand the linkage between life and the geologic system of which it is a part. Contact Chris: ctemby@alfamars.org

Gabriella Rizzo is the Vice President and Treasurer of Agnostic Life Finding Association Inc., (ALFA). She is a first year PhD student in the Genetics, Cellular & Molecular Biology program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is an aspiring astrobiologist exploring the potential for microbial life in the Martian subsurface and understanding primordial Earth ecosystems. She is particularly interested in how the metabolic pathways that subsurface microorganisms might utilize can inform broader questions in bioenergy. Microbial metabolism, often regarded as one of the earliest forms of bioenergy, can guide the search for viable energy solutions in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial contexts. The intersection between life’s origins, energy production, and space exploration motivate her research.

Ian Fernandez is the Secretary of ALFA Mars, as well as a second-year graduate student in the Microbiology and Cell Science Master’s program at the University of Florida. Following graduation, he intends to expand on his skills in the biotechnology laboratory, while continuing his research involvement in the field of astrobiology. Ian is interested in studying extremophilic microorganisms for improvement of terrestrial bioremediation strategies and astronaut health during long-term spaceflight. As an aspiring astrobiologist, Ian yearns to be at the forefront of space exploration and hopes to one day contribute to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Outside of academia, Ian enjoys listening to music, going to the beach, and being in nature.

Courtney is a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Astronautics, while minoring in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). She is a high achiever in the Honors Program, and she also enjoys her roles as a student assistant and teaching assistant in the Humanities and Communications Department at Embry-Riddle. Courtney provides essential support to faculty members and works directly with students to improve their understanding of course material. Courtney is also an avid stargazer and rocket watcher, with a passion for baking, cooking, and thrifting. As a female engineer, she hopes to inspire other women to pursue success in STEM. Courtney is a member of the Board of Directors of the Agnostic Life Finding Association Inc. (ALFA).

Steven Benner has developed the fields of paleogenetics, evolutionary bioinformatics, astrobiology, and synthetic biology, working at Harvard, the ETH Zurich, and the University of Florida before establishing the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (Alachua) and Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC. His synthetic biology has had over $1.3 billion in medical applications and is currently used in coronavirus detection. His laboratory has resurrected 3-billion-year-old proteins in Jurassic Park experiments and helped define how life may have arisen on Earth and Mars. He earned Bachelors's and Masters's Degrees in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (Yale), and a Ph.D. in Chemistry (Harvard). Outside of science, Steven bicycled across the North American continent, 6083 kilometers in all. Steven’s ventures finance the initial development of ALF.  

Lígia has a background in microbiology and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering/Astrobiology from the MIT Portugal Program/Técnico.  She is interested in studying biosignatures focusing on biological pigments, extreme environments, and planetary field analogs. Lígia's interests extend to innovation and space biology. In 2019, Lígia was the co-author of the winning space biology payload project that flew on board the New Shepard (Blue Origin) to study the effect of microgravity on photosynthesis. In 2022 she was the co-author of a second winning payload project to study the effect of the space environment on medical devices for women's health, which will fly later in 2022 on board of the rocket Baltasar (Técnico, Portugal). In 2022, Lígia was the only Portuguese awarded a Fulbright Schuman for scholars and is currently a researcher at Cornell University working with prof. Lisa Kaltenegger in the creation of tools for the search of biosignatures in the cosmos.

Prof. Lyle Whyte (Professor, McGill University; Member, McGill Space Institute) is a Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Polar Microbiology (2018-2025). He explores microbial communities' biodiversity, ecology, and activity at subzero temperatures in cryoenvironments (subzero habitats). The utility of these unique cryoenvironments as analogues for astrobiology studies is also a key feature of his research program. He is a member of the McGill Space Institute and is currently Chair of the CSA Planetary Exploration Consultation Committee (PECC) and was the PI of the NSERC CREATE Canadian Astrobiology Training Program (2009-2015). He was a member of the ExoMars 2020 Landing Site Selection Working Group (LSWWG) and is currently an invited member of the ExoMars Rover Operations Science Working Group (ROSWG), the ExoMars PanCan and CLUPI Science Teams.

Prof. Victor Parro, PhD in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, specialized in molecular and environmental microbiology. Expertise in the analysis of gene expression in bacteria and exploration of microbial diversity, molecular biomarkers (metaproteomics and lipid forensic), and metabolisms in the shallow and deep subsurface. He leads the multidisciplinary research group Biomolecules in Planetary Exploration, to investigate the presence and preservation of biomolecules in environments of astrobiological interest and to develop antibody microarray-based sensors (LDChip, Life Detector Chip) and the SOLID (Signs Of Life Detector) instrument for in situ search for life in planetary exploration. Principal investigator of multiple national and European projects, co-I and collaborator in several NASA-funded projects, has led and participated in several field campaigns to extreme environments (Rio Tinto, Atacama, High Arctic, Antarctica), and has co-authored more than 120 research articles and co-inventor of 11 patent methods. https://cab.inta-csic.es/proyectos/solid/  

Charles Cockell is Professor of Astrobiology at the University of Edinburgh and Co-Director of the UK Centre for Astrobiology, which he established in 2011. His academic interests encompass life in extreme environments, the habitability of extraterrestrial environments and the exploration and settlement of space. He has previously worked at NASA Ames Research Centre (NRC Postdoctoral Fellowship) and the British Antarctic Survey. His work has taken him to both poles and many other extreme environments. He has published many scientific papers and numerous books, including on the subject of space societies: Interplanetary Liberty: Building Free Societies in the Cosmos (OUP, 2022). He leads the Life Beyond program, which engages prisoners in the design of human settlements in space. He is Chair of the Earth and Space Foundation, a non-profit organisation he established in 1994 which funds expeditions that advance the unity between space exploration and environmentalism.

Dr. Ximena Abrevaya is an Astrobiologist, and Senior Research Scientist (CONICET) at Instituto de Astronomía y Física del Espacio (University of Buenos Aires – CONICET), Argentina. She is the Founding Director of the Argentinian Research Unit in Astrobiology ‘Astrobio.ar’ (www.astrobioargentina.org). Abrevaya obtained her Licenciatura (equivalent to MSc.) and Ph.D. degrees in Biological Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires and her doctoral dissertation was the first thesis in Astrobiology in Argentina. Her expertise in Astrobiology relies on interdisciplinary studies where she combines astrophysics, biology, and geology. Her main research topics are related to stellar radiation as a constraint for habitability, for the origin of life in planetary bodies of the Solar System, and for lithopanspermia, as well as halophilic archaea, and radiotolerant microorganisms as models in astrobiology, hypersaline environments as analogs of extraterrestrial environments, and methods for the in situ detection of extraterrestrial life, among others. Since 2019, Abrevaya is invited scientist at the Institute for Physics, University of Graz, Austria. She is the PI of several international projects such as “The EXO-UV program”, working in collaboration with researchers from multiple institutions in different countries such as Brazil, Austria, the UK, and Germany. Additionally, she has been working in the communication of science for the public for more than 15 years. In 2007 she received the National Award for Science Journalism, given by the Ministry of Science and Technology from Argentina.

Janusz Pętkowski is an astrobiologist and a Research Affiliate in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Janusz is a Deputy PI on the MIT-Breakthrough Venus Life Finder Mission Concept Study. He is interested in biosignature gasses, theoretical biochemistry, and in research leading to finding life outside Earth. Janusz defended his doctorate in biophysics at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He got his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in biotechnology and molecular biology at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland. He is one of the founding members of the Polish Astrobiological Society.

Craig Nehrkorn is a co-founder of Guinn Partners, an Austin-based contract engineering and product development firm established in 2017 alongside Colin Guinn and Oren Schauble. With a mission to assist entrepreneurs in bringing technological innovations to market, the company has expanded to a team of over 40 engineers specializing in mechanical, electrical, embedded systems, software, and industrial design. Under Nehrkorn's leadership, Guinn Partners has successfully launched more than 50 consumer products, including the notable development of Gel Blaster, a modern toy company that achieved $75 million in sales within three years. The firm has also collaborated on pioneering projects such as LIFT Aircraft's personal aviation endeavors and Doosan's hydrogen fuel cell-powered commercial drone. Nehrkorn's commitment to rapid prototyping and iterative development has been instrumental in transforming innovative concepts into market-ready products.

Michael Eric Reimers is an accomplished engineer with extensive experience in electrical and mechanical systems, specializing in mechatronics, smart product design, and embedded systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Michael has contributed to a diverse range of industries, including medical devices, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced sensor technologies. Currently serving as the Director of Electrical Engineering at Guinn Partners, Michael has held key roles at companies such as Luminex, Nuclein, and Oceaneering, where he led the development of complex electro-mechanical systems. His expertise includes digital and analog circuit design, motor control, embedded systems, and PCB layout. He has played a pivotal role in advancing proximity sensing, laser range finding, and sonar solutions, holding multiple provisional patents. A skilled problem solver and innovator, Michael blends hands-on prototyping with high-level system design, making significant contributions to cutting-edge technology development.

Alberto Fairén is an interdisciplinary planetary scientist and astrobiologist, specializing in geochemistry, mineralogy, hydrogeology, sedimentology and environmental microbiology of extremophiles, with a particular focus on understanding the habitability of early Mars and the search for life on Mars and ocean worlds. He has previously worked at Cornell, NASA Ames and the SETI Institute; has explored different extreme environments (Arctic, Pilbara, Atacama, Rio Tinto, Pavillion, Mojave); and is a science team member in several Mars landed missions (NASA's Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance) and forthcoming (ESA's ExoMars). Alberto has been over one decade advocating for a methodic astrobiological exploration of Mars before sending manned missions, because it is foreseeable that terrestrial microorganisms will accompany human crews to Mars and find ways to adapt and survive: forward contamination will be certain and will affect potential biology on Mars in ways we are not equipped to understand yet. https://astro.cornell.edu/alberto-g-fairen

Sukrit's research focuses on applying photochemistry to questions related to the origin of life on Earth and the search for life on other worlds. These questions are coupled: efforts to understand the origin of life on Earth helps guide our search for it elsewhere in the cosmos, while observations of other planets help us test our theories of the prebiotic environment and of abiogenesis. To understand abiogenesis, Sukrit works to constrain the palette of environmental conditions from which life arose on Earth, to test and guide experimental studies of the origin of life. To search for life elsewhere, Sukrit works to determine observational tests by which life on other worlds may be remotely discriminated. In collaboration with experimental colleagues, Sukrit works to obtain the critical measurements of fundamental photochemical parameters required to build robust models in support of both goals.

Caden Howlett is a PhD candidate in Geosciences at the University of Arizona, broadly interested in the processes that create and destroy mountain belts.  He is a field-based structural geologist who integrates geologic mapping and field observation with low-temperature thermochronology, thermal history modeling, geochronology, and geochemistry.  Caden’s work considers these data in a regional context that enables the testing and/or creation of tectonic and geodynamic models.  He has active projects in the western USA, south-central Andes (Argentina and Chile), and southern Tibet.  Caden is passionate about science communication, writing on topics in science and philosophy on his Instagram and creating YouTube videos that focus primarily on the dissemination of physical science research and tips for success at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Holden Alpern is a sophomore at the University of Florida studying Geology, looking to double major in Microbiology. After getting his degree, he aims to conduct graduate research in Geobiology: studying extremophiles, the origins of Earth life, and how we can find it on other worlds. Like many, he dreamed of exploring space as a child. His dream is to be lucky enough to one day see the Red Planet with his own eyes. When not studying or in the lab, you'll find him rock climbing, kickboxing, lifting, or generally pondering with his cat Sylvie. He is currently training for a half-marathon race.

Prof. Shannon Boettcher is a Director of the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry (University of Oregon) and an expert in inorganic materials science and fundamental electrochemistry, including membrane electrodialysis. Shannon's lab is focused on designing, synthesizing, and understanding materials for applications in direct solar water splitting architectures. Their goal is to integrate solar energy conversion with storage in the form of chemical fuel. Recently, his team has improved the performance of bipolar membranes for water dissociation 10-fold over the state-of-the-art.

Miguel is a doctorate in Microbial Ecology from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain), with a background in nucleic acid and proteins sequencing techniques and analysis and in the development of instrumentation devoted to search for life in extreme environments. He also has expertise in field campaigns to extreme areas, such as Río Tinto, Atacama, Antarctica, and the High Arctic, considered Mars and Icy Moons (Europa, Enceladus) terrestrial analogs. Miguel is passionate about deciphering the microbial metabolic reactions and relations that support extreme environments and microenvironments, especially undescribed ones. Besides that, Miguel is very active in scientific outreach, giving talks and employing social networks (Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) to communicate the most interesting findings on Astrobiology.

Joshua Khan is an Astrobiology graduate from the University of London, Birkbeck. His thesis involved assessing biosignature preservation potential and rover traverses for the European Space Agency’s upcoming ExoMars mission. Joshua’s previous work in genetics & genomic technologies has also allowed for a useful passage into related studies of prokaryotes and archaea, for extremophile and origin of life research. Prior to Joshua’s entry into space sciences, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. This helped to provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation, which has been ideal for research within a biochemistry context. During Joshua’s time with the European Space Agency, his team proposed an altered-gravity experiment titled ‘The effects of altered-gravity on insulin receptor activity’. This was planned to better comprehend astronaut health during and upon returning from the International Space Station, particularly reports of insulin resistance. Outside of his academic pursuits, Joshua stays motivated through his passions for hiking, traveling, and football (soccer).

Sylvia is an Astrobiology graduate from the University of London, Birkbeck, from where she had also received her Bachelor’s of Science (Hons) in Planetary Science and Astronomy. Her MSc thesis focused on the evaluation of correlative, non-destructive, high-resolution imaging techniques in preparation for preliminary analyses of Mars samples anticipated from the upcoming NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission.  She is currently investigating the preservation and diagenetic transformations of organic materials in Precambrian stromatolites. Her work integrates advanced imaging and microscopy techniques, including synchrotron-based techniques, to explore ancient environments and their global implications. Sylvia’s research interests include early life and evolution, with particular focus on the interactions between the biosphere and geosphere in deep time. She plans to pursue a PhD studying geobiology, with focus on ancient carbon-rich and silica-rich stromatolite samples alongside their modern equivalents. Beyond academics, Sylvia spends her time climbing, powerlifting, and pursuing the wonders of artisanal caffeinated beans.

Alisha Hunnewell is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics. She plans to transition into graduate research in Quantum Physics, aiming to apply quantum technologies to the study of Martian dynamics, gravitational fields, and planetary composition during her missions as a potential/future astronaut on Mars. She has recently joined the ALFA Mars's team, where she is working to enhance the efficiency of its machinery and reduce operational time frames. Alisha has contributed by integrating electromagnetism concepts into experimental testing, keeping the laboratory environment a safe space to operate in, and has been learning the coding necessary to work with the project's C.A.D system. Alisha has thoroughly enjoyed getting to work and get to know other scientists at the laboratory, and she shares a passion for space as well as Mixed Martial Arts. Alisha's consistent enthusiasm and technical contributions have positively propelled the team's progress forward as they finish up the smaller details necessary before the final launch to Mars.

Arinze Amaechi is a freshman at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying Aerospace Engineering. With a passion for the skies and beyond, Arinze is eager to delve into the intricacies of spaceflight flight and spacecraft design. After college, Arinze aims to pursue graduate research in Aerospace technology, focusing on means to support the search for life beyond Earth. Inspired by childhood movies such as "Star Wars" and "Interstellar", Arinze is involved in learning more and thinking about potential projects he could work on. Arinze has aspirations to find life beyond Mars and look at the potential of life in other planets as well. Arinze is an active member of his university's Rocket Propulsion Lab and their Society of Black Engineers. In those clubs, he is able to bring his passions to work, as well as network with others who share interests. Outside of their academic and extracurricular activities, Arinze enjoys watching the planets in the sky, reading science fiction, and participating in community outreach programs that promote STEM education. Inspired by childhood movies such as "Star Wars" and "Interstellar", Arinze is involved in learning more and thinking about potential projects he could work on. Arinze has aspirations to find life beyond Mars and look at the potential of life in other planets as well. They believe in the power of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and are passionate about sharing their love for space and science with others. With a relentless curiosity and a drive to push the boundaries of human knowledge, Arinze is ready to make significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering They look forward to a future where they can witness the wonders of the cosmos firsthand and play a role in humanity's journey to the stars.

Lia Fuchs is a junior at the University of Florida studying Mechanical Engineering. She plans to pursue graduate studies in mechanical engineering, with a focus on developing technologies that promote environmental sustainability. Alongside her passion for protecting the environment, Lia has strong interest in space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth, and is driven to explore more, including being able to help work on building ALF as part of ALFA Mars. Outside of academics, Lia enjoys playing beach volleyball, soccer, and studying trees. She hopes to dedicate her future to developing sustainable practices and technologies that protect our planet and beyond.

Before moving into Astrobiology, she has completed a bachelor’s degree in biology. This has helped in providing an interdisciplinary approach, ideal for the research’s environment of planetary science. Annamaria’s experience as research assistant in cognitive neuroscience allowed her to investigate the effects of space environments on human brain and the psychological alteration. The experiments are planned to investigate the role of the vestibular system and the mismatch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial gravity. Outside of academic pursuits, Annamaria enjoys watching TV series, traveling and swimming.

28 years of making online games. Focused on settling the solar system. Created Starfleet Command and GoPets. Exited to Zynga, leadership on MafiaWars and FarmVille. Wrote Game Design and Production, and Settlers of the New Virtual Worlds. Took a 3 year sailing sabbatical with my family, 100-ton master sailer, technical diver. JPL UV Spectrometer on Galileo and Cassini. Rode my bike across Japan. Woodworking, welding, gardening, maker.

Gage Owens has worked in the fields of synthetic biology and organic chemistry. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Washington, where he is also a part of the UW Astrobiology journal club. Gage presented research at AbSciCon 2022 at the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME). This research focused on the fate of organic carbon in sulfuric acid and contributed to the science behind the Venus Life Finder Mission set for launch in May 2023. When not considering life on other planets, Gage appreciates life on Earth through hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. As a first-year graduate student, he is not currently working on research but would like to study nonstandard amino acids and unnatural DNA base pairs.

Kate Sheldon is a freshman at Princeton University studying astrophysics and chemistry. She intends to work in astrobiology and astrochemistry and study the origins of life. Kate is just starting her academic journey, but previously interned with Jayich Lab at UCSB to code a Tray Launcher. During a different side project she studied qubits and ion traps. Kate is currently working on a group project to redesign and standardize absolute beam monitors to help test space instruments with the Princeton Space Physics Lab. She is an aspiring astronaut, as well as a cross country runner, soccer player and voracious science fiction reader. Kate intends to turn yesterday's science fiction into tomorrow's science fact.

Sean Brown, a Biological Sciences PhD candidate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, explores astrobiology, synthetic biology, and theoretical biochemistry. His research delves into the question of how an alien or alternative protein biochemistry might differ from what we know here on Earth. Sean investigates the origins and early evolution of life's building blocks, examining the possibilities beyond the set of 20 genetically encoded L-⍺-amino acids found in all life on Earth. His work sheds light on the potential for life's existence and adaptation in diverse environments, both within our planet and beyond. Sean aspires to work as an astrobiologist after completing his doctorate; but outside of academia, he finds joy in hiking with his dog and actively plays and coaching ice hockey.

Olivia Traenkle obtained MS in Marine Science and Chemistry (Eckerd College). She is a Ph.D. candidate in the Electrochemistry and Material Science Laboratory (Boettcher group, University of Oregon) on bipolar membrane water electrolysis. She works on one of her nine project cars when she is not busy engineering membrane electrolysis and electrodialysis cells.

Hannah Dromiack is a Ph.D. candidate (Physics) at Arizona State University studying new methods for agnostic life detection using macroscale behaviors displayed by living organisms. She also is a contractor for NASA Ames Research Center researching Martian rotorcraft and future uses. Her research background includes experience in experimental testing of hardware, data analysis of both living and non-living specimens, modelling, and theoretical development. She is passionate about finding meaningful bridges between fundamental science and practical applications currently focused extraplanetary exploration.

Tomáš Petrásek works as a neuroscientist and a leader of a small research team at the National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic, investigating neurodegenerative disorders and animal communication. He is also keenly interested in astrobiology, which has resulted in two published nonfiction books about astrobiological perspectives of the outer planets and icy moons, numerous public lectures, and a specialized course of astrobiology at the Charles University, Prague. He has also worked for a year at Ďáblice observatory in Prague. Tomáš also occasionally writes science fiction, with one published novel and several short stories, including a contribution to the anthology Life Beyond Us by European Astrobiology Institute.  

Devanshi Kacholia is an MSc graduate in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation from The University of Twente (Enschede, Netherlands). Her research interests in mainly life beyond Earth, with a particular focus on ice in the solar system. Her master's thesis focused on detecting subsurface layers on Mars using radar datasets. During her research internship at the German Aerospace Center, Devanshi worked on developing a prototype database management system for missions like Bepi Colombo. Her academic interests extend beyond just planetary science, as she is also interested in the applications of geo-data engineering in other areas of space research. In her free time, Devanshi enjoys playing basketball, dancing, and staying updated on the latest space research-related podcasts.

Zack Cohen is a Ph.D. candidate in the Chemistry department and Astrobiology program at the University of Washington in Seattle. Zack investigates the behavior of fatty acid membranes to constrain the environmental setting for the origin of life on Earth.

Ziqin (Grace) Ni is interested in understanding life’s origin, distribution, and evolution in the Universe via laboratory simulation, computational modeling, experimental observation, and philosophical deduction. She has three main research areas: primitive Earth conditions, prebiotic processes to synthesize organic compounds, and the development of analytical techniques and operational strategies to search for life’s signatures via spaceflight instrumentations. Grace is passionate about navigating communications between engineering and science communities, focusing on developing operational strategies and analytical innovations to maximize scientific return with minimum technological risks and financial costs. As an investigator on a team building spaceflight instrumentations for future life detection missions, Grace advocates for international and interdisciplinary collaboration across the academic, industry, and government sectors to come up with feasible solutions to answer grand scientific questions in space exploration.