Nicole North // GOLD & Bold Awardee

Summary

Nicole North, a fifth-year graduate student at Ohio State University, shares her academic journey and research in analytical chemistry. Focusing on machine learning applications for planetary science, she explores the potential for life on ocean moons like Enceladus and Titan. Her research involves using machine learning to identify organic compounds in extraterrestrial environments. Nicole's passion for science began at UNI, where she shifted from biology to chemistry, eventually leading to groundbreaking work in space science. She emphasizes the importance of science communication and the opportunities at UNI that shaped her successful research career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nicole North is a fifth-year graduate student at Ohio State University, working towards a PhD in analytical chemistry with a focus on machine learning in complex chemical environments, particularly in the solar system.
• 😀 Her research is centered on ocean worlds, particularly moons of Saturn like Titan and Enceladus, which may contain liquid water beneath icy surfaces.
• 😀 Nicole’s academic journey began with a passion for biology, sparked by a seminar on black bear migration, which led her to switch her major and focus on science.
• 😀 Early research experiences, including working with Dr. Kenneth Elgersma and Dr. Joshua Sebree, helped Nicole realize her fascination with chemistry and planetary science.
• 😀 Nicole’s research path took a pivotal turn when she began working with NASA JPL, an experience that played a key role in shaping her graduate work and future collaborations.
• 😀 Her research project on ocean worlds was funded through a highly competitive program, allowing her to pursue her graduate studies and further her scientific explorations.
• 😀 Nicole attended NASA's Planetary Science Summer School, a virtual experience due to COVID-19, which exposed her to the complexities of deep space missions and collaboration with NASA's engineering teams.
• 😀 She also participated in the inaugural Networking for Ocean Worlds retreat on Catalina Island, connecting with scientists from diverse fields and contributing to the planetary science community.
• 😀 Throughout her academic career, Nicole has developed a strong foundation in science communication, having attended over ten conferences and learned to present her research to various audiences.
• 😀 Nicole's graduate research focuses on using machine learning to analyze mass spectrometry data from Enceladus, with the goal of identifying functional groups that could indicate organic compounds and potential signs of life.
• 😀 Nicole emphasizes the importance of clear communication in science, stating that effectively translating complex research to diverse audiences is crucial for making an impact in the field.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Nicole North's research?

Nicole North's research focuses on the application of machine learning in analyzing complex chemical environments, specifically looking at ocean worlds like Titan and Enceladus in our solar system.

What is an 'ocean world' in the context of Nicole's research?

An ocean world is a celestial body, such as a moon or planet, that is theorized to have liquid water beneath a rocky or icy surface. Nicole's research concentrates on moons like Titan and Enceladus, which are believed to contain such subsurface oceans.

How did Nicole North's academic journey begin?

Nicole North started as an undecided undergraduate student at UNI, where she was inspired to pursue science after attending a seminar on black bear migration, which led her to switch her major to biology and eventually to chemistry.

Why is Enceladus an important focus in planetary science?

Enceladus is important because it has the most reflective surface in the solar system, made mostly of water ice. Its eruptions of ice and organic compounds suggest the potential for life, making it a key target in the search for extraterrestrial life.

What is the challenge Nicole faces in analyzing data from Enceladus?

The challenge is that only small fragments of data are collected by spacecraft like Cassini, making it difficult to identify and understand the chemical composition of Enceladus. It’s akin to solving a puzzle with incomplete pieces.

How does Nicole use machine learning in her research?

Nicole uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from mass spectrometry by identifying patterns and functional groups in organic compounds found in the ice plumes of Enceladus, helping to reconstruct the chemical composition of these compounds.

What role does communication play in Nicole's research?

Effective communication is vital in Nicole’s research. She emphasizes the importance of being able to explain complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, from general public to specialized scientists, to make an impact and foster collaboration.

What was the significance of Nicole attending the Planetary Science Summer School at NASA?

Attending the Planetary Science Summer School at NASA gave Nicole valuable insight into the planning and execution of deep space missions, allowing her to interact with scientists and engineers from NASA's JPL, and better understand the risks and technological needs of space exploration.

How did Nicole's undergraduate research experience shape her career?

Nicole's undergraduate research, particularly in biology and later chemistry, gave her hands-on experience in research techniques and inspired her to pursue a career in planetary science. Her early exposure to scientific instruments and methodologies helped her refine her research interests.

What unique opportunities did Nicole receive during her graduate studies?

During her graduate studies, Nicole received unique opportunities such as securing funding for her research through a competitive program, attending the inaugural Networking for Ocean Worlds retreat, and collaborating with a NASA JPL co-advisor.