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charity M.

phillips-LANDER

Creating novel scientific solutions to
understand the potential for life beyond Earth.

astrobiology, planetary geochemistry, material science, biogeochemistry,
chemistry, geomicrobiology, and geologic mapping

about

Charity Phillips-Lander is a Senior Research Scientist at Southwest Research Institute.  As an interdisciplinary scientist she draws on microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, geology, and material science to assess the habitability and biosignature potential of other worlds. Her research helps determine the vital role microorganisms play in altering geologic systems, and how we detect evidence of life (if present) on other planetary bodies.


“I believe we
ARE all, naturally
scientists...


teaching & outreach

We are all naturally scientists. Our first learning experiences in life are all hands-on, trial and error, which is an essential part of the scientific process. During my NSF GK-12 fellowship, I learned how to implement active, inquiry-based learning in the classroom.

At OU, I taught Introductory Geology for Scientists and Engineers using similar methods, where students learn by solving real scientific problems based on provided datasets, with some additional lecture material.

Since moving on to SwRI, I’ve focused on science outreach efforts both in the local community through the SAWorks Regional Job Shadow Day (Virtual 2020) and through Skype-a-Scientist. I also serve as an external mentor to several graduate students with the goal of helping connect early career scientists to permanent careers.


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research interests

I use field- and laboratory-based studies to answer large-scale questions. In planetary science we often have very little data to work with and these studies help us interpret observations from orbital and surface-based planetary missions.

My studies of Earth-based environments can be used as analogs to environments we have observed on other planetary bodies and allow us to understand whether these environments are habitable and what types of evidence for life may be detectable.

My  current work seeks to address three questions: 1) How do we search for life in both rocky and icy environments in the Solar System?; 2) What influences habitability i.e. the potential for life to arise or colonize these environments?; and 3) How do we effectively design instruments and missions to search for life elsewhere?

I believe we will see the first life-detection missions flown in my lifetime and my goal is to help move us toward answering the great question of whether or not there is life elsewhere.


RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Microhabitable Environments in Ice: What controls habitability of icy planetary environments & how do we detect life on them?

Microhabitable Environments in Ice: What controls habitability of icy planetary environments & how do we detect life on them?

Mars Caves Astrobiology Analog Science: How do we look for life in Mars’s subsurface?

Mars Caves Astrobiology Analog Science: How do we look for life in Mars’s subsurface?

Raman and Brines: Salty waters are present throughout the solar system. Raman  spectroscopy can be used to assess their ability to host life.

Raman and Brines: Salty waters are present throughout the solar system. Raman spectroscopy can be used to assess their ability to host life.

Mars Brines Attack: How long was water present at/near Mars' surface & what does this mean for current habitability?

Mars Brines Attack: How long was water present at/near Mars' surface & what does this mean for current habitability?

Biosignature Preservation:How well are biosignatures preserved through burial, diagenesis, & geologic time?

Biosignature Preservation:How well are biosignatures preserved through burial, diagenesis, & geologic time?

Life in Hotsprings: How do we look for life in acidic sulfate hot springs that may have existed on Mars?

Life in Hotsprings: How do we look for life in acidic sulfate hot springs that may have existed on Mars?

Mission Development

Enceladus Sample Return

Enceladus Sample Return

THEO: Testing the Habitability of Enceladus’ Ocean

THEO: Testing the Habitability of Enceladus’ Ocean

 

MEDIA and Public Engagement

 
 

COMING SOON: SXSW March 12, 2022 at 11:30-12:30. Join us as we discuss how we put people on Mars.

European Astrobiology Institute Academy Talk on the Future of Martian subsurface exploration

SPACE CLUB CAREER CHAT

COMING SOON: How we detect life during future Ocean Worlds Missions

PAST INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

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KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Cartographic Research Assistant

2011-2014

Created and edited Kansas county geologic maps and cross-sections in ArcGIS. Curated metadata for all Kansas geologic map data. Researched and wrote bulletin text and descriptions to accompany geologic maps.

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EXXON-MOBIL

Stratigraphic Research Intern

2013

Using microscopy, I created burial and diagenesis history for the Haynesville Formation, Texas and updated the burial history for the El Abra Formation, Mexico. Helped evaluate carbonate clumped isotopes as a technique for determining burial history.

IMS ENVIRONMENTAL

Environmental Professional

2006-2007

Advised city governments on land-use and development based on environmental histories. Developed proposals, budgets and estimates for remediation projects.   Assistant manager of Superfund groundwater treatment plant; prepared Phase I/II environmental site assessments. 

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Charity M. Phillips-Lander, Ph.D.

Southwest Research Institue
Space Science and Engineering Division
6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238