Max Gourmas
Bio
I am a PhD Candidate in Space Sciences and am currently advised by Dr. Manasvi Lingam. My work focuses on bioenergetic modeling of organisms in ocean environments. Most recently, I am using a code called NutMEG in conjunction with the Geochemist's Workbench to examine methanogens in Europa's subsurface ocean to determine whether the environment would be habitable based on the nutrients and energy sources available.
I grew up in northern California and attended UC Irvine for undergrad where I graduated with a BS in Physics, with a specialization in Astrophysics, and a minor in Archaeology, with a focus on Ancient Greece and Rome. I have always been interested in astronomy and astrophysics from attending planetarium shows when I was younger and decided to pursue an Astrobiology track after finishing numerous planetary science and exoplanet courses during my undergraduate studies.
