Rensselaer Astrobiology Research and Education Center People Page

Shweta is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, focusing on the intricate convergence of semantic technologies and data science within the domain of prebiotic chemistry. With roots stretching back decades, prebiotic chemistry holds pivotal significance in elucidating the fundamental aspects of the Origins of Life and, consequently, Astrobiology. Through the integration of semantic web technologies, data science methodologies, and machine learning algorithms, Shweta's research endeavors to undertake a comprehensive computational analysis of the expansive experimental prebiotic chemistry landscape. An additional research outcome is a feedback loop established to enhance experimental design frameworks within this domain through rigorous computational investigations.

I studied physics and chemistry in college, then did a MS in astrophysics. During this time I fell in love with astrobiology and I decided to pursue a PhD in prebiotic chemistry. I now study the chemical transformations occurring to small organic compounds delivered through meteorites on the early Earth during the hydrothermal phase of an impact event :)

Mickey’s research at RPI has broadly focused on the mechanisms by which simple amino acids could overcome the thermodynamic barriers facing aqueous peptide synthesis under plausible prebiotic conditions. Primarily, lab analysis has focused on reproducing the so-called Salt-Induced-Peptide-Formation pathway, in which salt is used as a dehydrating agent—lowering water activity of the solution and shifting reaction equilibrium toward peptide formation. Moving forward, our work seeks to better characterize how the various parameters of this and similar pathways (salt concentration, metal cations, temperature, pressure, etc.) contribute to their overall viability and to assess how that may better situate these mechanisms in an environmental context.

Elly Breves is a PhD student in the Multidisciplinary Science Program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her research with Prof. Jacob Shelley focuses on developing computational data reduction and visualization techniques for mass spectral analyses of organic compounds in complex natural samples such as meteorites. Prior to joining RPI, Elly received a BS in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh (in her hometown) and an MS in Chemical Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. She has worked as an analytical chemist in the fields of Oceanography and Planetary Science at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Mount Holyoke College, where she was a collaborator on the ChemCam team for Mars Science Laboratory, and Skidmore College. At RPI, Elly aims to develop computational resources to help elucidate the breadth of information that chemical analyses contain.

Sam received her B.S. in Astrobiology from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2021, after which she entered the Geology Ph.D. program in the Earth & Environmental Sciences department at RPI. Her current research focuses on the ability of aqueous microdroplets formed at the ocean surface to drive condensation reactions necessary for the emergence of life on the early Earth. She enjoys spending time outdoors, especially with her dog, Puck.

Hi! I'm Karishma, a Co-term Masters student working in Dr. Karyn Rogers lab. I started at RPI as a Biology undergraduate, however quickly became captivated by the research done at the RARE Center to decipher the ever-alluring question "How did life originate?". After pursuing an Astrobiology minor, I began a Masters degree in Geology in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department under the Rogers Group.