David Haussler
Biomolecular Engineering. Interested in whole genome sequencing, the scientific principles of life, evolution by natural selection, forms of entropy, self-organization, and the key milestones in the evolution of intelligence on earth.
Chad Saltikov
Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology. Studies the genetics and physiology of microbes that can grow on and metabolize toxic metals. Focuses on the genetic pathways for anaerobic reduction/oxidation of arsenic compounds and anoxygenic photosynthesis of arsenic in extreme environments.
Marilou Sison-Mangus
Ocean Sciences. Studies the evolution of marine bacteria and phytoplankton and how they depend on one another. Her goal is to understand how these organisms influence the habitability of the ocean and planet.
Adina Paytan
Ocean Sciences. Develops geochemical and isotopic tools for the detection of life and the interactions between life and the environment on Earth.
Xi Zhang
Earth & Planetary Sciences. Studies atmospheres as a window into the origin, evolution, and habitability of planets and large satellites within and outside of the Solar System.
Jim Zachos
Earth & Planetary Sciences. Studies the long term evolution of Earth’s climate and coupling with the carbon cycle and biosphere.
Myriam Telus
Earth & Planetary Sciences. Studies meteorites to understand critical information about how the solar system formed and the timing and conditions of events that led to the solar system we observe today, especially as a host for life.
Francis Nimmo
Earth & Planetary Science. Studies the evolution and detection of oceans on icy bodies (Europa, Enceladus, Pluto, and Titan). He is on three of the Europa Clipper instrument teams.
Andrew Skemer
Astronomy & Astrophysics. Interested in detecting and characterizing exoplanets with the goal of understanding their diverse properties. He is currently developing instrumentation that will be sensitive to temperate and potentially habitable planets.
Phil Hinz
Astronomy & Astrophysics. Develops instrumentation technology for interferometers, adaptive optics systems, and infrared cameras optimized for exoplanet detection and characterization. Phil is the Director of the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics.