Amy Williams changed her field of study for the chance of a lifetime. With a master's in aqueous geochemistry from the University of New Mexico, Williams chose UC Davis for a Ph.D. in geo-biology when the opportunity arose to become a part of NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover Team. "When do you get to work on a mission to Mars!?" exclaimed Williams.

Working with her UC Davis advisor, Dr. Dawn Sumner, William's research focuses on the ways microbial life is preserved by minerals, and how it applies to discovering these biosignatures and a habitable environment on Mars. "As a member of the rover team, I can suggest places on Mars to look for these types of biosignatures (if they exist) with the camera systems onboard Curiosity," she said.

Last fall, Williams lived in Pasadena, California working on the mission at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Currently, she spends most of her time on campus, both in the geology department as well as the Dawson Lab in the microbiology department. William's research group includes researchers with interests ranging from microbial mat communities and growth forms in Antarctica to 500 million year old microbial communities preserved in rocks. "The diversity of research and experiences in my lab group allows us great resources over a wide range of topics and engaging discussions that broaden our studies," said Williams.

Williams has always held an interest in science's fundamental questions. "The big picture questions posed in the field of astrobiology, like what life might be like elsewhere in the universe, can be addressed the same way we explore interesting geobiological questions on Earth," she said. Studying geobiology at UC Davis has enabled her to work in a cooperative research group, research under a respected professor, and pursue her passion for teaching.

"I am at the point in my career where developing research and teaching philosophies is critical to my future job prospects," says Williams. She has taken advantage of several of the professional development programs that UC Davis has to offer, such as the Pathways Career Symposium and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning's Powerful Pedagogy teaching workshop. These have especially helped her in balancing her pursuit of teaching, undergraduate mentoring, research, and life goals.

"One of my goals as a faculty member is to introduce undergraduates, and especially minority students, to scientific research," says Williams. "The purpose of getting my Ph.D. is to teach in the geosciences at a primarily undergraduate institution." Williams believes in a strong foundation in undergraduate learning, which allows students to make informed choices about their future pursuits. "I look forward to continuing my mentoring in this capacity," she added.

Follow Williams' research.

Photo: Amy Williams in Death Valley. Credit: Tyler Mackey.