Astrobiologist of the Month
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.
March
🌑
✉️ h [dot] hartnett [at] asu [dot] edu
🌎 Tempe, Arizona, USA
Opportunities
Masters students
PhD students
HILAIRY HARTNETT
“I'm a transdiciplinary scientist with expertise in Oceanography, Biogeochemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. My group explores geochemical processes to better understand what makes systems habitable, which in turn can be used to investigate conditions on exoplanets. When I am not doing science, I read, ride a mountain bike, and play golf!”
Position
Professor at the School of Earth and Space Exploration and School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University
Career Pathway
BS - Chemistry, Vassar College
MS - Oceanography, University of Washington
PhD - Oceanography, University of Washington
Research Topics
Experimental Organic Geochemistry, Exoplanet Habitability and Composition, Chemical Oceanography, Urban Biogeochemistry; Hydrothermal Systems
Why did you decide to become an Astrobiologist?
I'm not sure it was a conscious decision! My work on carbon and nitrogen cycling in marine and aquatic systems has always been at large (planetary!) scales and I enjoy collaborating across disciplinary boundaries - it was an obvious connection to work on Astrobiology questions because they connect from astrophysical, to geological, to chemical, to biological processes.
I also enjoy working on research questions that require multiple perspectives to address fully and Astrobiology fits that very well. What is always fascinating to me is the range of topics that we need to work on as Astrobiologists!
If your lab/research group had a nickname, what would it be?
The CaNDy LaB (Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics Lab)
Are you accepting students?
Masters and PhD students