U of A has Strong Showing at 'AbSciCon 2017' Astrobiology Science Conference
University of Arkansas AbSciCon 2017 participants.
On the heels of the recent seminar with retired NASA astronauts Scott and Mark Kelly at the University of Arkansas, several students and faculty members headed west to the biennial Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) held in Mesa, Arizona from April 24-28.
The central theme for AbSciCon 2017 was "Diverse Life and Its Detection on Different Worlds." As more possibilities for habitable worlds or "exoplanets" emerge, there has been a shift in emphasis from the question of "whether there are planets in the universe on which life could survive" to "how can we detect such life," which generated opportunities for a host of interesting discussions ranging from "Messy Chemistry" to "Alternative Forms of Life."
Major topics also included planetary protections, origins of life, anoxygenic photosynthesis, and the habitability of oceans, worlds and Mars.
The U of A Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences (SPAC) was well represented at the conference with students from the labs of Tim Kral, Michael Ceballos, Dan Lessner and Vicent Chevrier in attendance.
In addition, several U of A alumni were in attendance including Edgar Rivera-Valentin (SPAC; class of 2012). Also in attendance was Nagayasu Nakanishi, an incoming assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, who begins his appointment this fall semester 2017.
In total, more than 10 students and alumni as well as three U of A professors took part in AbSciCon 2017, one of the largest contingencies from any single academic institution.
Topics
Contacts
Ruben Michael Ceballos, assistant professor
Department of Biological Sciences
479-575-5643,
ceballos@uark.edu
Headlines
U of A Bands to Hold Three Nights of Concerts
The Symphonic Band, the Wind Symphony, the 4 O'Clock and 5 O'Clock Bands and the Wind Ensemble will perform April 21-23 at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center on the U of A campus.
Honors College to Host 'Best in Show' Dog Celebration
The campus and community are invited to celebrate our furry friends with popsicles, water and dog treats from 3-4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in the Gearhart Courtyard.
New Parasite Affecting Canadian Partridges Named for Arkansas Poultry Scientist
A long-time colleague in Canada gave a newly found parasite the scientific name Eimeria hargisi in honor of U of A poultry science researcher Billy Hargis.
U of A School of Law Student Selected for Ms. J.D. Leadership Academy Intensive
Tristan Branstetter-Thomas, a second-year law student, was one of 30 students from across the country chosen to participate in the leadership academy at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in Chicago.
Needy Honored as Distinguished Alumna of University of Pittsburgh Engineering College
College of Engineering Dean Kim Needy was among seven alumni of the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering honored in April as part of the 2024 Class of Distinguished Alumni.