Biosignature identification at a Mars analogue site of present-day serpentiniization in the Tablelands Ophiolites of Newfoundland

The intern will work at the CSA where she will contribute to the development of a database on Moon/Mars analogue sites located in Canada and elsewhere in the world, develop a database on analogue projects funded by different space agencies, and help prepare mission deployments at analogue sites. The intern will collect samples from a Mars analogue site on the west coast of Newfoundland known at the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park. The intern will be looking for biosignatures of microbial life in rocks similar to those found on Mars. The intern will perform analyses in other laboratories within the Canadian Analogue Research Network (CARN). Specifically, Natalie will analyze phospholipid fatty acids (a viable microbial community indicator) sampled from the high pH springs in Greg Slaterfs laboratory at McMaster University.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Penny Morrill

Student:

Natalie Szponar

Partner:

Canadian Space Agency

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Aerospace and defense

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland