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Field geology, sedimentology, geobiology, evolution of life
Lecturer in Sedimentology
Appointment: | Room: |
|---|---|
| Lecturer in Sedimentology | Kathleen Lonsdale, |
Courses Taught: | |
Research Group(s): | |
| Paleoenvironments | |
Email Address: | Telephone Number: |
| m.homann@ucl.ac.uk | |
Research Summary
I am a field geologist and sedimentologist with a strong interest in Geobiology, the early Earth, and the evolution of life on our planet starting about 3.5 billion years ago. I am particularly interested in the oldest preserved traces of microbial life in the sedimentary rock record.
My research investigates the paleoenvironmental context and biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen in fossil microbial mats and stromatolites. To better understand their ancient counterparts, I also study modern microbial communities thriving in hypersaline lagoons or hot spring environments.
Ultimately, my research can also be applied in the search for possible biosignatures on other planets and help to answer the age-old question: "Are we alone in the universe?"