RESEARCH

Over the last decade, our knowledge of exoplanets has expanded exponentially. In the wake of these discoveries, astrobiologists’ previous assumptions about what might or might not constitute signs of alien life have been challenged. For example, the presence of atmospheric oxygen once was considered a smoking gun for photosynthetic life, but it is now known that there are multiple mechanisms that can generate an oxygen-rich atmosphere completely abiotically. Furthermore, it’s been assumed that life elsewhere in the universe would look much like our own, and use the same biochemistry, solvent, and photosynthetic processes that terrestrial life does.

Tessa’s research takes a different approach: instead of looking for specific trace gases, why not examine the statistical pattern of interactions between atmospheric gases? Previous research has suggested that the network topology of Earth’s atmospheric chemistry is unique in the Solar System- likely due to the presence of a global biosphere.  If it can be determined that Earth’s example is generalizable and life does have a detectable influence on the reaction networks of its environment, the result will be a biosignature that is both robust and potentially universal across differing biospheres. 

Tessa’s research occurs primarily on occupied Akimel O’Odham/Piipaash land. She is also a proud member of United Campus Workers of Arizona, local 7065.