Veronica Mierzejewski

Research Interests: Universal biochemistry, origin of life, prebiotic chemistry

Education: B.A. in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry from Skidmore College

Current Research: I am investigating statistical patterns in biochemistry across different domains (archaea, bacteria, and eukarya) and different levels of biological organization (individual organisms, communities, and the biosphere as a whole). The motivation behind this project is to uncover any hidden universalities of life that are present in all Earth life, regardless of organism type or scale. Specifically, I am exploring scaling patterns in enzyme diversity as a proxy for how life has “chosen” to explore and invent biomachinary for certain biochemical functions. A greater understanding of these patterns can help us define life more quantitatively and to theorize alternative biochemistries that might exist on other worlds.

Personal: Along with contemplating the nature of life and consciousness, I love connecting with others, building community, sailing on the Puget Sound, hiking through the Cascades, playing the violin (albeit badly, for now!), journaling, running, and playing tennis.