Shkolyar Svetlana
Main achievement
Works at NASA, Assistant Research Scientist through CRESST at the University of Maryland, College Park
About
She has postdoctoral research experience at NASA GSFC and the Carnegie Institution for Science and holds degrees in Geological Sciences (Arizona State University, PhD), Space Studies (University of North Dakota, MS), Mass Communications with a Science Journalism specialization (University of Florida, MA), and Physics (University of North Florida, BS). Svetlana’s research interests focus on life detection techniques and biosignature protocols on planetary surfaces, with an emphasis on Mars. These include developing multi-wavelength Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy instruments for astrobiology missions, studies of false spectral biosignatures, spectral signatures of biogenic vs. abiogenic macromolecular carbon, and protocols to support the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign. She was a collaborator on the MSL Curiosity Mars mission, the Mars 2020 Mars mission, and is currently a science team member on ESA’s ExoMars rover. Additionally, she is developing instruments and strategies to integrate life detection science priorities into mission planning through her collaboration with NASA’s Center for Life Detection (CLD). She also believes in the importance of using the "Are We Alone?" narrative to improve STEM education and meet societal needs. To this end, Svetlana serves as a bridge between the NASA Astrobiology Program and NASA-funded educational and public outreach activities within NASA's Science Activation program. This role involves connecting NASA Astrobiology learning materials and experts with educators and advising on their use and accuracy, as well as maintaining the NASA Astrobiology Program's educational resource repository. She also supports early-career Astrobiology Program initiatives in a variety of ways, including as an Implementation Lead for the NASA Astrobiology Science Communication Guild initiative.
