Astrobiologist of the Month
March
🌕
Every month we feature two astrobiologists from around the world. Our aim is for everyone to get to know each other, connect and network. If you would like to be featured, let us know here.
✉️ jlm80 [at] psu [dot] edu
🌎 State College, PA, USA
Opportunities
PhD students
JENNIFER MACALADY
she/her
“I am a geomicrobiologist in the Department of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University. My research is focused on the microbiology of C, S and Fe redox reactions. My group investigates ecological rules and thermodynamic constraints governing how microbial populations distribute themselves into environmental niches, with an eye toward understanding how geochemistry influences biosignatures preserved in Earth's geologic record and potentially on other planets. I can sometimes be found underground in the deep, sulfidic Frasassi cave system (Italy) or with cave divers exploring inland blue holes and stratified aquifers in the Caribbean. My Mastodon bio reads: 'scientist, caver astrobiologist, microbe hunter, parent, parlo italiano, she/hers, #geomicrobiology @BanfieldLab #soil @ucdavis #geology @CarletonCollege'..."
Position
Professor of Geosciences at The Pennsylvania State University
Career Pathway
B.A. Geology Carleton College (1991), Environmental Consultant employee (2 years), M.S. and Ph.D. Soil Science UC Davis (2000), Postdoc Geomicrobiology UW Madison/UC Berkeley (2003)
Research Topics
Acid Mine Drainage, Extreme Energy Limitation, S and Fe Cycling, Terrestrial Subsurface
Why did you decide to become an Astrobiologist?
Because my colleagues thought I already was one :-)
If your lab/research group had a nickname, what would it be?
That is a great question for which I have no clever answer
Are you accepting students?
PhD students