Who Am I?

Hey there! My name is Sian and I’m an LGBTQ+ scientist that dreams of being an astronaut! Currently I am a PhD candidate in Earth Sciences and Astrobiology working with Dr. Greg Slater at McMaster University. My research involves using an interdisciplinary approach to help answer fundamental questions regarding the search for life in space, and the origin of life here on Earth. By detecting and characterizing microorganisms living at the very limits of terrestrial life as we know it, we can better understand where and how organisms might live on other planets such as Mars, or moons such as Titan. Additionally, I am interested in the role phospholipids and their constituents may have had in the abiogenic origin of life on Earth some 4 billion years ago. In my spare time I enjoy bird watching, table-top RPGs, video games, crocheting, water-color painting and photography.