People: Astrobiology Graduate Students

Kelly Hillbun
Earth & Space Sciences

I recently joined the Astrobiology group and started my Ph.D. program at UW after completing my undergraduate studies at the University of Miami. As a paleontologist, my research interests are extremely diverse. In order for me to better understand life on Earth, its evolution, and its future potential an interdisciplinary approach is vital. The Astrobiology Program is perfect for me because it allows me to transcend traditional academic boundaries and work with a variety of people from various disciplines.

My current research focuses on the late Devonian mass extinction that occurred approximately 370 million years ago. At my current field site in Western Australia I'm evaluating competing hypotheses of kill mechanisms (such as global warming, bolide impacts, and ocean wide eutrification) responsible for the massive reefal ecosystem collapse. I'm analyzing stable isotope signatures and assembling the biostratigraphy of a Devonian aged reef in order to learn more about ancient reef systems elsewhere in the world. By studying mass extinction events, I am able to gain a better understanding of early earth environments and thus search more knowledgeably for possible life that has endured similar catastrophes on Earth-like planets.