Elisabeth "Libby" Hausrath

( University of Nevada, Las Vegas )

Contact

(702) 895-1134
  • Institution:University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  • Departments: Geoscience
  • Research Fields: Geochemistry, Astrobiology, Mars, Water: Rock Interactions, Geomicrobiology, Chemical Weathering, Soil-forming Processes
  • Disciplines: Geochemistry, Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Physical Sciences
  • Location:Clark County
  • Funding:NSF - National Science Foundation

Biography

Dr. Hausrath is an aqueous geochemist and astrobiologist, and the overall theme of her research program is to investigate interactions between water and minerals, and the impacts of life on those interactions. They use a combination of field work, laboratory experiments, and modeling to investigate signatures of aqueous alteration and life, the rates at which these reactions occur, and how they differ on Earth and on other planets such as Mars. Our work helps understand chemical weathering, nutrient release, the formation of soils, and biosignatures on both Earth and Mars.