SETI Forward

Life at the Limits

Gabriella, currently a first-year PhD student in the Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Dr. Karrie Weber's lab, conducted her research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst under the direction of Dr. James Holden as an undergraduate.

Gabriella’s research explored how life can survive in extreme environments like deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The study discovered a new microbe called strain Ax23, a heat-loving organism that produces methane. Found in a Pacific Ocean vent, it thrives at 149°F (65°C), using hydrogen and carbon dioxide for energy. This microbe's survival in such harsh conditions suggests that similar life forms might exist in hydrothermal environments on other worlds, like Europa or Enceladus.

“Astrobiology is inherently an interdisciplinary science—a synthesis of geomicrobiology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy,” said Gabriella. “This breadth allows me the unique and rare opportunity to approach my research questions from many perspectives. Through astrobiology, I have honed my ability to bridge disciplines, distill complex ideas, and collaborate seamlessly across varied scientific backgrounds. These skills position me to lead future projects that address fundamental questions about the nature and existence of life in the universe.”

Decoding the Cosmos

Pritvik is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Physics and a Minor in Astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and conducted his research at Caltech under the mentorship of Dr. Yuk L. Yung and Dr. Stuart Bartlett.

Pritvik is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Physics and a Minor in Astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and conducted his research at Caltech under the mentorship of Dr. Yuk L. Yung and Dr. Stuart Bartlett.

“This project has been an extraordinary journey, allowing me to merge my passions for astrophysics, GW physics, and astrobiology,” said Pritvik. “Exploring the unknown and pushing the boundaries of science drive me, and I am honored to receive the SETI Forward Award. This recognition is not just an acknowledgment of my work but a catalyst for my aspirations to redefine how we search for extraterrestrial intelligence by integrating GW physics with Complexity Theory, offering a universal and inclusive approach to identifying technosignatures. I hope to contribute to a future where humanity understands its place in the cosmos and explores life as we don't know it. As I advance in my academic and professional journey, I aspire to bridge theoretical physics, astrophysics, and astrobiology, strengthening my resolve to continue asking big questions about life in the universe."