KECK INSTITUTE FOR SPACE STUDIES

       

Sarah Zeichner

Sarah Zeichner

Grad student in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Date of this Interview: June 15, 2022


What do you research?

I am a geochemist, and study questions related to the origins and evolution of life. In particular, I am interested in molecular fingerprints (often in the form of isotopic compositions) that can be found in meteorite, asteroid, and rock samples from the earliest formations on Earth.

Why does space inspire you?

I am intrigued by the depth of unknown in space. There are infinite questions left to be answered, and we are only starting to learn what to ask.

If you could instantly travel to any point in the universe, where would you choose to go?

Titan

Where can you be found when you’re not conducting research?

I am also a visual artist, and a lover of outdoors. I love to hike to beautiful vistas, and then capture them with watercolors.

What book do you wish you could read for the first time again?

East of Eden, John Steinbeck.


Image of Sarah working in the lab wearing a white robe and purple gloves holding the lab equipment

Picture of Sarah preparing meteorite samples for geochemical analysis.