Pilar Vergeli

PhD Student, School of Earth and Space Exploration

Contact: pvergeli@asu.edu ​

Research Interests: I am interested in astrobiology, particularly early Earth
photochemistry and exoplanetary ecosystems. I conduct photogeochemical
experiments to understand the possible effects of Archean iron (Fe) photo-
oxidation on Earth and potentially elsewhere. I also use network modeling of
metagenomic data to better understand statistically distinguishable
properties of ecosystems and if those properties are predictable based on
planetary environment.

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.​