Author: Christopher Rassmann                 Major: Biology

Experimental tubes waiting to be sampled for data readings by the gas chromatograph

During Fall of 2020, I joined Dr. Timothy Kral’s research lab. My thesis investigates whether methanogens can survive solely from the hydrogen produced from the reaction between the mineral olivine and water. Methanogens derive their energy via a process called methanogenesis, which utilizes carbon dioxide and hydrogen to form methane. Olivine is a common mineral found on Mars, so if methanogens can survive solely from the reaction between olivine and water (contained in the media) given all other proper conditions then the viability for similar life on Mars or other planets increases.

The challenge with methanogen research is growth time. Methanogens take time to grow their populations, so data readings must be spread out accordingly. My particular project required a three week waiting period between readings. While this does mean that there is less time consumed by conducting research, it also means that any issues that arise can delay progress by months. My research was no exception to any progress hindrance. The methanogens in my research are grown in tubes containing proper media and pressurized with gas. The gas used is usually hydrogen, but for my project I had to use carbon dioxide (and also insert olivine) since all hydrogen needed to be generated from the reaction between olivine and water in experimental group tubes. Stock cultures are also grown in tubes. My stocks had issues for months in which one or more of the four species would not grow, meaning I could not start my experiment since I had to inoculate all tubes at the same time. There is also a chemical added to each tube that turns the media pink in the presence of oxygen. Methanogens are obligate anaerobes, so if the tubes become contaminated with oxygen they will die. I lost many tubes to oxygen contamination. In some cases, I lost all my experimental group tubes, ending the ability to take data for those tubes beyond the one or two readings I already had. Similar data loss occurred in my second trial run of the experiment.

Despite these challenges, I completed my thesis. The conclusion I came to via my research was simple: growth of methanogens in the presence of olivine appears plausible. With more research being done in the future in which olivine concentrations in the tubes vary, viable locations on Mars for methanogen or similar life can be pinpointed.

Thanks to the Honors College Research Grant I had no issues paying for an apartment and other expenses. Because of this, I was able to dedicate extra time to my studies and my research without the need to have a job for the duration of the grant. This extra time allowed me to pursue my dream of conducting research related to space, and for that I am ever grateful. I have since also been accepted into medical school and plan to conduct research as a doctor in the future, so this experience in research made possible by the grant has been invaluable to me.