Dr. Brenda Thomson

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Brenda Thomson

I completed my Ph.D. through the RARE Center in May 2024. My research leverages data science methodologies to study the evolution of scientific fields, with a focus on the origins of life and prebiotic chemistry. Using natural language processing, network analysis, and bibliometric techniques, I map how collaborations form, how theories develop, and how knowledge moves through communities of researchers and institutions.

My work also extends into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, where I develop approaches to evaluate scientific literature, create computational frameworks, and design tools that make complex data more accessible to scientists and students alike. This includes advancing methods for ontology design, benchmarking AI applications in astrobiology, and integrating large language models into research workflows.

In addition to research, I am committed to education and outreach. I contribute to the development of teaching modules and experiential learning projects that introduce students to data-driven astrobiology. Through this blend of scholarship, technology, and education, I aim to strengthen the connection between data science and the exploration of life’s origins.

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