Afonso Mota

2024 – now

PhD Candidate in Astronomy

Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto

Researcher

  • Institute for Astrophysics and Space Sciences (IA), Center for Astrophysics of the University of Porto (CAUP) – Planets Group
  • Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) – Microbiome Ecology and Biogeochemistry Group
2022-2023

Visiting Scientist

German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Cologne, Germany – Aerospace Microbiology Research Group
2021 – 2023

MSc in Biology of Extreme Environments

University of Naples “Federico II”

2018 – 2021

BSc in Biology with a Minor in Physics

Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon

My research bridges microbiology and astrophysics to assess microbial habitability in the Solar System (e.g. Mars and icy moons) and beyond (exoplanets). In particular, mywork focuses on modelling (exo)planetary environments and then performing laboratory experiments to assess the survival and growth capabilities of extremophiles in such conditions. I regularly present my research in national and international conferences, as well as actively participating in science communication with the general public. I also co-created a group of Portuguese Early-Career Researchers (@astrobiopt).

Contact: Afonso.Mota@astro.up.pt