Jill Mikucki, associate professor in the UT Department of Microbiology, will present “Exploring Earth’s Ice to Imagine Extraterrestrial Worlds,” Friday, Nov. 10 at noon via Zoom.
Earth’s cryosphere, which includes glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost, can inform the exploration of extraterrestrial targets in our solar system. Mikucki, who studies ecosystems under ice, will discuss how these environments can serve as analogs for the testing of NASA robots, as well as inform how life adapts to extreme cold and salinity. She will share how the study of these extremophiles may help us understand the potential for life in the universe, as well as how these organisms persist through dramatic climate change events on Earth.
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Once registered, you will receive an email with information about joining the meeting via Zoom.