Alyssa Carson yearns to venture into space and explore the unknown. She’s slowly building her resume as a potential astronaut, and as a doctoral student at the U of A, she’s honing her skills in the field of astrobiology. 

Since her initial interest was sparked at the age of five, she’s garnered thousands of followers on social media and attended every space camp offered by NASA. In the newest Short Takes episode, “Give Her Space,” Carson shares her journey – and dreams – of studying the cosmos. 

“I think it’s so important that we continue to pursue and learn more things about space,” she says. “And I just want to be a part of it in some capacity.”

Carson, originally from Louisiana, earned her undergraduate degree in astrobiology from Florida Tech. While searching for a graduate school, she was encouraged to pick one based on its research – particularly research that she would be interested in pursuing herself. And when she read more about what was happening in Arkansas, she reached out to Tim Kral, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, whose work in astrobiology caught her eye. 

“I think the University of Arkansas plays a huge role in my career goals,” Carson says. “I was really lucky to find a professor and research at the U of A that I’m passionate about and excited to pursue.”

As a doctoral student working with Kral, Carson’s research centers on Mars – and whether certain types of bacteria can survive and grow in Mars’s atmosphere. 

“Some of the different methods that we use and develop to do this kind of testing can also be used in different applications,” she explains. “We’ve always been fascinated at the idea of life out there – if it’s possible, what it means.”

After Carson finishes her doctoral degree, she’ll keep an eye out for openings in NASA’s astronaut selection process. If their search includes applicants with skills in astrobiology, she’ll be a strong candidate.

Kral said, “She is full fledged into this astrobiology work we’re doing. Alyssa’s goals are great. She is wanting to do what most people can’t do. She’s an inspiration for everyone.”

For additional Short Takes videos, visit shorttakes.uark.edu. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.