The RARE Center is involved in numerous exciting projects, from analyzing data from NASA's Mars rovers to studying extremophiles in Earth's harshest environments as analogs for life elsewhere. We collaborate extensively with NASA, other academic institutions, and international research organizations to contribute to the field of astrobiology.
Research Focus Areas
Prebiotic Chemistry
Investigating the chemical processes that could lead to the formation of life in early Earth-like conditions and other planetary environments.
Planetary Habitability
Assessing the conditions that make planets and moons suitable for life, both within our solar system and in exoplanetary systems.
Microbial Life and Extremophiles
Studying life forms that thrive in extreme environments to understand the limits of life and its potential to exist elsewhere in the universe.
Biosignature Detection
Developing advanced techniques for identifying signs of past or present life in extraterrestrial environments.
Astrobiology Education
Promoting interdisciplinary education and outreach to inspire the next generation of scientists in the field of astrobiology.
Data Science
Data scientists work with domain scientists to leverage their research and experimental findings through machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, and other technological suites.