Phylindia Gant is a planetary scientist, astrobiologist, and science communicator with a passion for decoding life’s secrets from the rocks beneath our feet—and maybe even the ones on Mars. Her research explores how microbial life leaves behind chemical breadcrumbs, using techniques like GC-MS, ICP-MS, and XRD to investigate biosignatures in extreme environments on Earth as analogs for other worlds. When she’s not in the lab or the field (ask her about caves in Italy!), Phylindia is busy translating complex science into engaging content for public audiences through her initiative Glitter and Geodes. She’s led award-winning outreach programs, mentored budding scientists, and built joyful bridges between STEM and underrepresented communities. Whether she’s studying ancient lipids or leading a planetary science game night, she’s all about making science feel less like a lecture and more like an invitation.
Fun facts & cosmic highlights:
- 🌋 Can identify microbial lipids and a good hot spring from a mile away
- 🧪 Has taught students everything from Martian volcanism to the chemistry of slime
- 💫 Founder of Glitter and Geodes—where science meets sparkle
- 📣 Once turned a classroom into a space mission, complete with student astronauts
- 🛠️ Known for troubleshooting mass spectrometers like a tech-savvy space mechanic
- 🌍 Believes science should be as accessible as your favorite meme
- 🪐 Still waiting on NASA to let her name a Martian rock “Sasha Fierce”
Whether you’re looking for a collaborator, a speaker who brings the stars down to Earth, or just someone who knows the GC-MS like it’s a love language—Phylindia’s your scientist. Let’s make space for curiosity.