PhD Students

Ishaan Madan graduated with a BA in Biochemistry in 2022 from Wheaton College, Massachusetts. He begins his PhD in Fall 2024.

“I transitioned from a pre-med focus to space sciences and astrobiology, driven by a childhood fascination with space exploration missions and life beyond Earth. Beginning my research career with no prior experience, I gradually advanced to a role on NASA’s Dragonfly Mission over my undergraduate career. After a brief period at Epic Systems (2022-24), I recently left the corporate world to fully dedicate myself to space sciences. I will pursue a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, aiming to contribute significantly to future space missions and the growing field of astrobiology. Beyond academia, my hobbies include fitness, reading, podcasts, meditation, journaling, dancing, and soccer.”

Mariana Aguilar graduated with a BS in Planetary Science and Chemistry with a minor in Spanish in May 2024 from Purdue University, Indiana. She will be continuing her education pursuing her PhD in Fall 2024.

“During my undergrad, I actively worked researching the water ice nucleation properties of lunar regolith simulants to understand the ancient lunar atmosphere and I studied the effects of microplastics on clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere. In addition to my passion for research, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields as a member of the Women in Science Program and as a volunteer student teacher for the Saturday Morning Astrophysics Outreach Program within the Physics and Astronomy department at Purdue. I am extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue my education at Purdue with Dr. Pearce this coming fall!

My interests outside of research include reading, enjoying nature, traveling, and spending time with my family.”

Mia Trodden graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz with a BS (Hons) in Earth Sciences and a concentration in Planetary Sciences in December of 2023. She begins her PhD in Fall 2024.

“During my undergraduate studies, I did research in a cosmochemistry lab where I conducted meteorite outgassing experiments to further understand the composition of Earth's early terrestrial atmosphere. Around that time, I learned some meteorites hold over 90 amino acids while life on Earth only utilizes 20 amino acids. This revelation fueled my desire to explore the origins of life and atmospheric chemistry during my PhD, as I believe meteorites and Earth's early atmosphere played a significant role in the origins of life on Earth. At Purdue University I will pursue a PhD in Planetary Sciences where I will work on answering the mysteries of life on Earth and beyond. I am so excited to begin this journey and very thankful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Pearce in the Origins and Astrobiology Research Laboratory at Purdue!

Outside of academia I enjoy running, pilates, playing guitar, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!”

Giovanni Bacon graduated with a BA in Astronomy and Astrophysics and double minored in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics in 2022 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach. He will be continuing his PhD in Fall 2024.

“I am an Afro-Latino scientist with a passion for advancing research in space exploration and committed to community outreach and mentorship. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I undertook a variety of research projects, including lunar observations, investigations of massive star-forming regions, and leading analog astronaut and high-altitude weather balloon missions. These experiences have refined my research interests, which now focus on planetary atmospheres, exoplanets, astrobiology, and space exploration. As I pursue my PhD in Planetary Science and continue to contribute to the field of science, I aim to integrate these fields to deepen our understanding of both our solar system and distant extraterrestrial environments. Alongside my research, I actively engage in outreach and volunteer initiatives, including leading classes at the Imagination Station and providing tutoring services at my local community center.”

Separate from academia, I enjoy exploring new things, fitness, playing the cello, binging movies/shows, volunteering, and being a plant dad.