Sarah Gonzalez Henao

Sarah Gonzalez Henao is an MGI doctoral student in Matt Schrenk's lab. Here are her answers to the Micro Biography questions:

How and when did you become interested in the field(s) of microbiology, genetics, and/or immunology?

I became interested in microbiology when I was in high school during a biology class when a professor was giving a lecture about bacteria that were able to survive in extreme high temperature conditions. Since then, I have had a fascination for extremophiles, and the idea of how they are able to survive at such extreme conditions captured my attention. This interest grew stronger during my undergraduate studies, where I decided to study how microorganisms associated with plants are able to alleviate heavy metals in soils.

Were there any particular people or events who were influential in your journey?

My father introduced me to a Coursera course on astrobiology by Dr. Charles Cockell, where I further learned about microorganisms thriving in extreme environments, which fueled my curiosity about these fascinating life forms. Additionally, my undergraduate thesis advisor played a pivotal role by cultivating this interest during my research on bacteria associated with plants. Their guidance and mentorship encouraged me to pursue my passion for exploring microorganisms and their incredible adaptability.

How did you come to be a part of this department?

I’ve always been passionate about studying extremophiles and astrobiology, and during my search for a PhD program, I came across Dr. Matt Schrenk's research. After exploring his website and reading more about his groundbreaking research in Astrobiology and extreme environments, I became highly interested in joining his lab. I decided to apply to the program and was excited to join a department that aligns so closely with my research goals.

What is your main role / research area right now and why is it important?

My main research area is astrobiology and geomicrobiology, with a focus on microbial biofilms. These biofilms act as protective shields for bacteria, enabling them to survive extreme environmental conditions. Currently, I am conducting research in the Santa Elena Ophiolite in Costa Rica, a Mars analog environment, where I am collecting biofilm samples from springs with an extreme pH of around 11.5. My goal is to understand how these microbial communities adapt to such harsh conditions and to propose potential biosignatures. This research is crucial because it provides insights into how life could survive on Mars or other planets with similar extreme conditions. Additionally, the Santa Elena Ophiolite has not been extensively studied, making this an exciting opportunity to explore a relatively unexplored environment that may offer valuable information for future astrobiological investigations.

How do you see your role / research evolving?

I see my research evolving in the area of astrobiology, with a focus on advancing our understanding of microbial biofilms as key models for studying habitability in extreme environments and for life detection. Biofilms represent complex microbial communities that thrive under challenging conditions, making them excellent analogs for potential extraterrestrial ecosystems. Also, as I advance, I hope to join interdisciplinary research projects that combine cutting-edge techniques and contribute to the scientific understanding of biofilms' adaptations, and their interactions with minerals and environmental factors.  I aspire to collaborate with space exploration missions to apply these findings to biosignature detection, shaping our strategies for identifying life beyond Earth.

What types of activities are you involved in outside of work / research?

Outside of work and research, I stay active by hiking, swimming, and practicing taekwondo. I’m also learning to play the guitar and enjoy crocheting as a hobby. Additionally, I like spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and connecting with friends and family. These activities help me stay grounded and energized.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am also passionate about outreach and education. I founded the Astrobiology Club at MSU during my first year, and since then, we’ve organized a variety of outreach activities. We’ve invited guest speakers, organized trips to the planetarium, observatory, and the Kellogg Biological Station, and engaged with students to stimulate their interest in astrobiology and space science, which has been a great experience.

What is next for you?

Next for me, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral position after completing my PhD. I am deeply passionate about research, particularly astrobiology and environmental microbiology, and I aim to further develop my expertise in these fields while contributing to innovative, high-impact projects.  In addition to academia, I am also highly interested in entrepreneurship. I envision creating my own company that bridges cutting-edge scientific research with practical applications such as  leveraging microbial processes for sustainability solutions.

What do you see as your current career trajectory?

I see my current career trajectory as becoming a skilled researcher in astrobiology and geomicrobiology and in being able to share my science and making and impactful research, particularly in understanding how microorganisms survive and thrive in these challenging environments and how can we leverage them for bioremediation purposes as they have interesting molecules that resist extreme conditions. Also, I aim to deepen my expertise through ongoing research, publishing impactful studies, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.