Hey! I’m Lena. I’m a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a science communicator.

I’m an planetary scientist studying how signs of life might be preserved on worlds like Enceladus and Europa to help develop life detection strategies for future astrobiology missions. Before I joined JPL, I got my PhD from UW-Madison where I researched the chemical origins of life on Earth. While I’m formally trained as a molecular biologist and biotechnologist, I consider myself a “science jack-of-all-trades" as my work combines approaches from analytical chemistry, astronomy, biology, geology, and planetary science, to name a few. To learn more about my past and current research projects, check out the Research page.​

Beyond the bench, I love getting people excited about science and astrobiology. I do this primarily through social media, where I share summaries of recent research papers, newsworthy astrobiology topics, and occasionally behind-the-scenes looks at what it’s like to be a laboratory scientist. I also give general and technical talks to a wide range of audiences (for more info on speaking engagements and availability, visit the Public Speaking page).

Outside of work, I’m usually reading or spending time with my dog Pepper. I’m obsessed with all things space and sky and you’ll often catch me marveling at unusual clouds, forecasting severe weather, and/or tracking solar activity. I also love spending time in the ocean and exploring California’s spectacular kelp forests!