Lígia F Coelho

51 Pegasi b Fellow at Cornell University

Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences

About me

I am an interdisciplinary scientist at my core. My unique integration of biology (10 years of experience) and planetary science (7 years of experience) has enabled advances in exoplanet biosignatures that challenge existing paradigms in the field.

My research focuses on biosignature detection, characterization and interpretation, targeting current and upcoming telescopes and space missions focused on the search for life. My approach is to integrate fieldwork, remote sensing, laboratory experiments, and modeling to address one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?

My academic interests also extend to innovation in space engineering where I have designed experiments aimed at improving astronaut comfort and sustainability during spaceflight.

My work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship from the HSF. In 2022, I was the sole Portuguese recipient of the Fulbright-Schuman Fellowship for Scholars.

Microbiologist and bioengineer by training

A decade of experience in biology and biomedicine including cancer research, infections diagnosis and microbial ecology.

From the field into the model

I go directly to the field to collect microorganisms with biosignatures of interest. I measure the reflectance of life at the surface and create biologically-informed planetary models.

Exoplanets and icy moons!

I measure the reflectance of a diverse set of microorganisms and use this data to simulate the surface of exoplanets or as a parameter for modeling the surface of icy moons like Europa!