2010-2011 Teaching assistant at Ecole Centrale Paris (30h)
2009-2010 Assistant professor in chemistry at Paris-Est University (1/2 ATER - 96h). Organic chemistry, instrumentation (HPLC, GC), space application.
2006-2009 Teaching assistant for undergraduate students of Ecole Centrale Paris. Quota of 90h per year. Supervision of practical courses, elaboration and supervision of experimental projects. Analytical chemistry (chromatography, mass spectrometry), experimental chemistry, chemical engineering, biocorrosions.
2004-2005 Scholar assistance (high school) with Acadomia
Caroline Freissinet
(Astrobiologist)
| Email: | caroline.freissinet@nasa.gov |
| Phone: | 301.614.6854 |
| Org Code: | 699 |
| Address: |
NASA/GSFC Mail Code 699 Greenbelt, MD 20771 |
| Employer: | FN Remote User |
Current Projects
Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM)
experiment onboard the Curiosity rover, Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, on Mars since August 2012. PI: Paul Mahaffy, NASA GSFC, Greenbelt, MD - USA.
Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA),
experiment onboard ExoMars 2018. PI: Fred Goesmann, Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Lindau - Germany.
Enhancing SAM science by investigating new protocols to search for amines of biological origin on Mars.
MSL Participating Scientists. PI: Daniel P. Glavin, NASA GSFC, Greenbelt, MD - USA.
Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition (AMASE)
Field campaign 2011 – 3 weeks – onboard R.V. Lance in Svalbard (Norway) to study environments similar to Mars with instruments and techniques used on MSL and ExoMars. Program Arctic Mars Analog Svalbard Expedition (AMASE). Leader expedition: Hans Amundsen, EPX, Norway. Leader Science: Andrew Steele, Carnegie Institution of Washington (CIW), Washington, USA.
Greenland Emission of Trace Gases as an Analogue for Methane on Mars (GETGAMM)
Field campaign 2013 – 1 month – at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to study isotopically the methane and carbon dioxide cycle in Greenlandic glacier lakes. Program Greenland Emission of Trace Gases as an Analogue for Methane on Mars (GETGAMM) funded by NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring Planets (ASTEP). PIs: Lisa Pratt and Jeffrey White (Indiana University, IN, USA).
Positions/Employment
Postdoctoral Position
UMBC, then ORAU - NASA GSFC
March 2011 - Present
The SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) experiment: SAM-like investigation of the extraction and derivatization methods on Martian analog soils. SAM data analyses. SAM operations. Organic matter in meteorites. Field work. Interface SAM/MOMA (ExoMars 2018). Preparation for future missions. Skills: space instrumentation, planetology (Mars, Europa), isotopes, field work, proposals for future missions.
PhD
Ecole Centrale Paris - Chatenay-Malabry, France
November 2006 - November 2010
Elaboration of a chiral analysis reactor for in situ enantiomeric separation of organic molecules of exobiological interest.
Skills: chromatographic techniques, mass spectrometry, biochemistry, organic chemistry.
In the framework of the future spatial missions and of search of extraterrestrial life, we are developing an automatized system of extraction and analysis of complex organic molecules from complex soils. Those molecules are extracted from complex soils, derivatized, separated in gaseous chromatography and analyzed in mass spectrometry. Derivatization and separation allow not only a differentiation between the different molecules, but also a differentiation of the enantiomers of a same molecule. This property allows us to detect a potential enantiomeric excess of the organic molecules of exobiological interest, excess which can be considered as a bioindicator.
PhD supervisor: MONCEF STAMBOULI
Co-supervisors: ARNAUD BUCH – ROBERT STERNBERG
Teaching Experience
Education
Since 07-2012 NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (3 years), Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), TN, USA. NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP).
2011-2012 Research Associate, Center for Space Science and Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. USA
2006-2010 PhD in Analytical Chemistry/Astrobiology. Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux (Ecole Centrale Paris) + Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA) (Paris-Est University). Defended on 29th November 2010, received with highest honor.
2004-2005 University Paris XI (Orsay, 91 - Essonne), Master2 GCDE (Genomes Cells Development Evolution), major Evolution. Magna cum laude. 2nd out of 14 students.
Major: epigenetic and populations genetics.
Thesis chosen on the evolution of the isochors structure in vertebras’ genomes.
2002-2004 Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS) (a famous university level institution which trains teachers and researchers),
1st year: licence ès molecular and cellular biology (equivalent to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology). Cum laude.
Major: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Thesis: Study of the evolutive causes of out-of-couple paternity of the alpine marmots.
2nd year: maîtrise ès molecular and cellular biology (equivalent to a Master’s Degree
in Science). Cum laude.
Major: virology and molecular evolution.
Thesis imposed on the regulation of the nitrogen metabolism in fungi (GATA factors).
2000-2002 University Claude Bernard Lyon, DEUG ès biology (post-secondary program in two years)
1st year: cum laude. Major: astrophysics and space sciences
2nd year: magna cum laude. Major: physics in big instrumentations
2011-2012 Research Associate, Center for Space Science and Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County. USA
2006-2010 PhD in Analytical Chemistry/Astrobiology. Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux (Ecole Centrale Paris) + Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA) (Paris-Est University). Defended on 29th November 2010, received with highest honor.
2004-2005 University Paris XI (Orsay, 91 - Essonne), Master2 GCDE (Genomes Cells Development Evolution), major Evolution. Magna cum laude. 2nd out of 14 students.
Major: epigenetic and populations genetics.
Thesis chosen on the evolution of the isochors structure in vertebras’ genomes.
2002-2004 Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS) (a famous university level institution which trains teachers and researchers),
1st year: licence ès molecular and cellular biology (equivalent to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology). Cum laude.
Major: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Thesis: Study of the evolutive causes of out-of-couple paternity of the alpine marmots.
2nd year: maîtrise ès molecular and cellular biology (equivalent to a Master’s Degree
in Science). Cum laude.
Major: virology and molecular evolution.
Thesis imposed on the regulation of the nitrogen metabolism in fungi (GATA factors).
2000-2002 University Claude Bernard Lyon, DEUG ès biology (post-secondary program in two years)
1st year: cum laude. Major: astrophysics and space sciences
2nd year: magna cum laude. Major: physics in big instrumentations
Other Professional Information
Languages:
French: native
English: fluent
German: basic knowledge
French: native
English: fluent
German: basic knowledge
Publications
Refereed
2024. "Unveiling the Nitrogen Chemistry of Titan with the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer: Experimental Focus on Amines and Amides." ACS Earth and Space Chemistry 8 (9): 1832-1846 [10.1021/acsearthspacechem.4c00143] [Journal Article/Letter]
2023. "Evaluation of the Interference of Tenax®TA Adsorbent with Dimethylformamide Dimethyl Acetal Reagent for Gas Chromatography-Dragonfly Mass Spectrometry and Future Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in situ Analysis." Journal of Chromatography A 464388 [10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464388] [Journal Article/Letter]
2023. "Comparison of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), trimethylsulfonium hydroxide (TMSH), and trimethylphenylammonium hydroxide (TMPAH) thermochemolysis for in situ space analysis of organic molecules in planetary environments." Talanta 257 124283 [10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124283] [Journal Article/Letter]
2023. "Selection and Analytical Performances of the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer Gas Chromatographic Columns to Support the Search for Organic Molecules of Astrobiological Interest on Titan." Astrobiology 23 (2): 213-229 [10.1089/ast.2022.0038] [Journal Article/Letter]
2022. "Science goals and new mission concepts for future exploration of Titan’s atmosphere, geology and habitability: titan POlar scout/orbitEr and in situ lake lander and DrONe explorer (POSEIDON)." Experimental Astronomy [10.1007/s10686-021-09815-8] [Journal Article/Letter]
2021. "Science Goals and Objectives for the Dragonfly Titan Rotorcraft Relocatable Lander." The Planetary Science Journal 2 (4): 130 [10.3847/psj/abfdcf] [Journal Article/Letter]
2020. "Benzoic Acid as the Preferred Precursor for the Chlorobenzene Detected on Mars: Insights from the Unique Cumberland Analog Investigation." The Planetary Science Journal 1 (2): 41 [10.3847/psj/aba690] [Journal Article/Letter]
2020. "The search for organic compounds with TMAH thermochemolysis: from Earth analyses to space exploration experiments." TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry 115896 [Full Text] [10.1016/j.trac.2020.115896] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "In situ measurement of atmospheric krypton and xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory." Earth and Planetary Science Letters 454 1-9 [10.1016/j.epsl.2016.08.028] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "MOMA: the challenge to search for organics and biosignatures on Mars." International Journal of Astrobiology 15 (03): 239-250 [10.1017/s1473550416000227] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "Evaluation of the robustness of chromatographic columns in a simulated highly radiative Jovian environment." Planetary and Space Science 122 38-45 [10.1016/j.pss.2016.01.004] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "Light and variable 37Cl/35Cl ratios in rocks from Gale Crater, Mars: Possible signature of perchlorate." Earth and Planetary Science Letters 438 14-24 [10.1016/j.epsl.2015.12.013] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "Magnesium sulfate as a key mineral for the detection of organic molecules on Mars using pyrolysis." Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 121 (1): 61-74 [10.1002/2015je004884] [Journal Article/Letter]
2015. "Evaluation of the Tenax trap in the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite on the Curiosity rover as a potential hydrocarbon source for chlorinated organics detected in Gale Crater." Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 120 (8): 1446-1459 [10.1002/2015je004825] [Journal Article/Letter]
2015. "Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars." Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 120 (3): 495-514 [Full Text] [10.1002/2014JE004737] [Journal Article/Letter]
2015. "The imprint of atmospheric evolution in the D/H of Hesperian clay minerals on Mars." Science Vol 347 412-414 [[DOI:10.1126/science.1260291]] [Journal Article/Letter]
2015. "Evidence for indigenous nitrogen in sedimentary and aeolian deposits from the Curiosity rover investigations at Gale crater, Mars." Proceedings of National Academy of Science [10.1073/pnas.1420932112] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Origin of Chlorobenzene Detected by the Curiosity Rover in Yellowknife Bay: Evidence for Martian Organics in the Sheepbed Mudstone? ." MSL Science Team, Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 45 1157- [Proceedings]
2014. "Evidence of Hydrothermal Organic Synthesis on Mars from Analysis of the Tissint Meteorite ." LPI Contributions 1800 5331- [Proceedings]
2014. "Volatile and Organic Compositions of Sedimentary Rocks in Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars." Science 343 6169 [doi:10.1126/science.1245267] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Sulfur-bearing Phases Detected by Evolved Gas Analysis of the Rocknest Aeolian Deposit, Gale Crater." J. Geophys. Res. 119 373-393 [10.1002/2013JE004518] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Evidence for perchlorates and the origin of chlorinated hydrocarbons detected by SAM at the Rocknest aeolian deposit in Gale Crater." Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 118 (10): 1955-1973 [Full Text] [10.1002/jgre.20144] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Volatile, Isotope, and Organic Analysis of Martian Fines with the Mars Curiosity Rover." Science 341 (6153): 1238937-1238937 [10.1126/science.1238937] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Evidence for perchlorates and the origin of chlorinated hydrocarbons detected by SAM at the Rocknest aeolian deposit in Gale Crater ." Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets 118 1955-1973 [10.1002/jgre.20144] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Evidence for perchlorates and the origin of chlorinated hydrocarbons detected by SAM at the Rocknest aeolian deposit in Gale Crater." J. Geophys. Res. 118 1955 – 1973 [10.1002/jgre.20144] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Volatile, Isotope, and Organic Analysis of Martian Fines with the Mars Curiosity Rover." Science 341 6153 [10.1126/science.1238937] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Evidence for Perchlorates and the Origin of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Detected by SAM at the Rocknest Aeolian Deposit in Gale Crater." J. Geophys. Res. 118 1955-1973. [Journal Article/Letter]
2012. "Coordinated analyses of Antarctic sediments as Mars analog materials using reflectance spectroscopy and current flight-like instruments for CheMin, SAM and MOMA." Icarus 224 (2): 309-325 [10.1016/j.icarus.2012.05.014] [Journal Article/Letter]
Non-Refereed
2017. "The Preservation and Detection of Organic Matter within Jarosite." AGU Fall Meeting [Full Text] [Proceedings]
2015. "Martian Chlorobenzene Identified by Curiosity in Yellowknife Bay: Evidence for the Preservation of Organics in a Mudstone on Mars ." Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 46 1178- [Proceedings]
2013. "Fluorocarbon Contamination from the Drill on the Mars Science Laboratory: Potential Science Impact on Detecting Martian Organics by Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM)." 44th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference [Full Text] [Proceedings]