Ashley Hanna

Ashley Hanna is a PhD candidate in the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences and earned her B.S. in Biochemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her work focuses on developing methods to detect microbial signs of life on other worlds using laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) and machine learning. Her research examines how microbial and organic biosignatures can be identified under conditions relevant to future missions to Mars and ocean worlds such as Enceladus, with particular emphasis on how instrument design and sample preparation influence biosignature detection. By combining analytical chemistry, microbiology, astrobiology, and machine learning, Ashley's work aims to improve the interpretation of spaceflight mass spectrometry data and develop more reliable strategies for detecting life beyond Earth. Ashley is co-advised by Prof. Ved Lekic at the University of Maryland and Prof. Jill Mikucki at the University of Tennessee. 

Beyond her research, Ashley is involved in science advocacy with The Planetary Society, advocating for continued support for NASA, planetary science, and scientific research. She is passionate about communicating the importance of space exploration and ensuring that science remains a priority in public policy. 

Outside of the lab, Ashley is a competitive powerlifter and serves as a national-level referee for USA Powerlifting. She also loves reading and can frequently be found with a new book when she isn't training, refereeing, or talking about science.