John M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Arizona State University
Expertise
Astrobiology, data science, artifical intelligence, bioinformatics, cheminformatics, network science, algorithms
Bio
I am interested in the evolution of life, both here on Earth and on other planets. Particularly, I am fascinated by the evolutionary transition from non-living chemical reactions to living biochemical systems. I use cheminformatics tools, network science, machine learning, and linguistics to discovery what defines "living" chemistry from non-living chemistry so that we can distinguish living systems elsewhere in the universe. Within this research, I work directly with large databases containing over 30 million entries and enjoy exploring and working with big data. Outside of research, I enjoy training for and competing in ultra-marathons throughout the Southwest. I am also learning to rock climb, and have set a goal to read 52 books this year, focusing mainly on science fiction and fantasy.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Alien Biochemistry
Space missions and space-based telescopes can determine chemical compounds of the surface of other planets. This project will predict what biochemical compounds could be made from these alien compounds, using publically available databases and computer science tools.
Coding skills
python, julia, R, C++, bash, parallel computingTeaching experience
I taught high school in Baltimore, MD for three years and was a certified teacher in the state of Maryland. I also have a Master's in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Currently, I help co-lead a volunteer prison education program through Arizona State University and the Arizona Department of Corrections (AZDC). I also receieved a NASA Space Grant graduate fellowship to start a juvenile science education program within the AZDC. I teach outdoor education at the University of Arizona Sky School and have also mentored high school students for the Southern Arizona Research and Education Fair in Tucson.Credentials
Work experience
University of Glasgow (2021 - Current)
PhD ResearcherArizona State University (2018 - Current)
PhD ResearcherArchbishop Curley High School (2015 - 2018)
Science InstructorSanta Fe Institute (2020 - Current)
Teaching Assistant - Computation in Complex SystemsEducation
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
BS Bachelor of Science (2015)
Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyNotre Dame of Maryland
MA Master of Arts (2017)
TeachingArizona State University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Astrobiology