Holden Alpern is a senior at the University of Florida majoring in Geology and Microbiology. After getting his degree, he plans to join the Peace Corps, then conduct graduate research in astrobiology—studying extremophiles, the origins of life on Earth, and life detection methods—culminating in a PhD. At UF, he is currently researching the preservation of lipids in Mars analogues with the geology department and analyzing B. subtilis behavior under launch conditions with the microbiology department and Swamp Launch rocket team. Like many, he dreamed of exploring space as a child—he dreams 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.