Pilar Vergeli

PhD Candidate, School of Earth and Space Exploration

Contact: pvergeli@asu.edu ​

Research Interests:  I am an astrobiologist pursuing a PhD in geological sciences interested in universal patterns in ecosystem scale biochemistry and early Earth photogeochemistry. I investigate the elemental composition encoded in metagenomic data to better understand statistically distinguishable properties of ecosystems, and if those properties are predictable based on planetary environment. I also conduct photogeochemical experiments to understand the possible effects of iron photo-oxidation during the Archean eon on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
 
Education: B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, minor in Astrobiology
and a B.S. in Retailing and Consumer Sciences, minor in Business
Administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson.
 
Personal: In my spare time, I like learning about and cooking interesting
meals. I also enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures through their
history, food and art.​