NASA Glenn Academy 2005

NASA Academy 2005
Glenn Research Center
2005 GRC Academy Home

University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Chemistry
Bachelor of Science, 2006

NASA Academy Research Project

Astrobiology and the Origin of Life: A Chemical Perspective
NASA Principal Investigator: Al Hepp

Education

I began college without much direction in mind. I desired a college education simply because it was the “right” thing to do. Luckily, I met an amazing professor near the end of my freshman year. He quickly inspired me to search for a deeper understanding of the natural world. I quickly gravitated towards the field of chemistry because it offered the amazing connection between two very different worlds, the large and the small. The coursework that I have taken thus far have stressed both theoretical and experimental approaches. Courses such as Organic, Analytical, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry have strengthened my basic knowledge. Advanced coursework in Computational and Transition Metals Chemistry have given me the tools necessary to do sophisticated research. Recently, I have acquired an interest in applying chemistry to the Earth Sciences. Basic courses in geology and planetary science have given me a new perspective on global chemical processes.

Experience

Over the past year and a half I have been involved in Astrobiology and Planetary Science research. During the fall and winter of the 2003-2004 academic year, I worked with my mentor, Professor David Catling, examining the role of molecular oxygen in the development of complex animal life on habitable planets. We wrote a paper entitled “Why O2 is required by complex life on habitable planets and the concept of planetary ‘oxygenation time’.” This paper will be published in the June 2005 issue of Astrobiology. Lately, I have been focusing on the planet Mars. I have been working with the UW Mars Research group analyzing unusual sedimentary rocks found in chasms on Mars. I am also in the process of developing a lee wave cloud model in an effort to better understand Martian atmospheric dynamics.

Extra-curricular Activities

I consider myself a typical college guy. I enjoy playing all sorts of sports whenever I have time. My favorites are baseball, basketball, football, tennis, and bowling. I like the outdoors and enjoy hiking and camping in the mountains whether rain or shine. I also like to go boating, fishing, and crabbing during the warm summer months. Another passion of mine is writing. If I’m struck by an idea I can literally write for hours on end. I am a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma National Chemistry Fraternity and I enjoy hanging out with my fellow fraternity members from time to time. Lastly, I find amateur astronomy to be really fun and I can usually be found gazing at the stars on clear nights, although we don’t get many up here in Seattle!