About
A hub for students and early career scientists.
The Astrobiology Society of America is a student-run organization dedicated to fostering education and networking in the field of astrobiology. As an inherently interdisciplinary science, astrobiology bridges diverse fields such as biology, geology, chemistry, and physics. A core part of our mission is to connect students with like-minded peers and help disseminate new research across these disciplines. Through our blog, we aim to achieve this goal while also helping students develop essential science communication skills. Additionally, we offer valuable resources for students and actively collaborate with scientists on a variety of projects focused on science education and communication.
Team Members
Wes R. Brown
UT Dallas - B.S. Geoscience
San Antonio College - A.S. Biology
I’m an incoming Ph.D. Student at the University of Iowa where I will investigate the early Martian crust using Perseverance Rover data. I am broadly interested in combining planetary science and geochemistry to address big-picture questions about the geologic history and potential for life on other planets. My past work has primarily utilized X-ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques. I have conducted research on micrometeorites, impactites, deep-ocean manganese nodules, and surficial oxide precipitates in Permian sandstones.
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Research Interests:
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Planetary Science
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Geochemistry
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Meteorites & Impacts
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Paleoenvironments
COO & Director of Student Relations
Talia Christian
Talia is an undergraduate student currently pursuing a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. She has a long-term goal of attending a dual-title M.D./Ph.D. program. She has a unique background serving as the Student Trustee for the Alamo Colleges District. Talia has a drive for establishing and encouraging more experiential learning opportunities for students. Her main focus at the ASA is ensuring that our student outreach programs are operating properly. In addition, she assists with the oversight of various departments and ongoing projects. Outside the ASA, Talia has great aspirations to participate in breakthrough psychological research and provide top-notch patient care in a clinical setting. We hope to one-day help support Talia in future research regarding the psychological implications of human expansion in space and finding life in the universe.
Director of Human Resources
Carleigh Donner, M.S., M.B.A.
Carleigh is a graduate student who recently completed a dual masters program for her M.B.A. and M.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Alongside her education, Carleigh has several years of professional experience working in human resources and employee relations. Her main focus at ASA is to utilize her hard-earned expertise by leading our talent acquisitions team and ensuring that all of our on-boarding parameters are instituted properly. In addition, she designs our volunteer and employee appreciation programs to elevate our organizations workplace culture. Carleigh serves as the cornerstone of internal communication often acting as a go-to resource for both our volunteers and our leadership team. Aside from ASA, she looks to help establish new ideas and strategies in employee relations throughout the corporate world.
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Team Members
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