Prebiotic organic compounds are essential
molecules for life. Some important prebiotic molecules (e.g.,
amino acids) can be detected within meteorites and other
extraterrestrial samples. By carrying out laboratory analyses
of extraterrestrial samples and learning about their organic
compositions, we gain a greater understanding of the chemistry
of our solar system and the distribution of prebiotic matter
beyond Earth. This overview talk will outline the science
motivations for analyzing soluble organic matter in
extraterrestrial samples, the methods and target samples for
these organic analyses, the information gained through these
experiments, and the application of these insights into
planning for future space missions.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Danielle Simkus is a Postdoctoral
Research Associate working in the Astrobiology Analytical
Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, through
Catholic University of America and the Center for Research and
Exploration in Space Science & Technology II (CRESSTII).
Through laboratory analyses of extraterrestrial samples,
Danielle studies the abiotic processes involved in the
synthesis and preservation of prebiotic organic matter
relevant to the origin of life. Danielle is originally from
Canada and she completed her Ph.D. in Earth & Atmospheric
Sciences at the University of Alberta in 2018. She is a
Science Team collaborator for OSIRIS-REx, NASA's sample return
mission to the asteroid Bennu.