{"682412":{"#nid":"682412","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech Offers New Astrobiology Minor","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EStudents from all majors are invited to register for the new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/astrobiology-minor\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMinor in Astrobiology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech. Welcoming its first enrolled students in\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalog.gatech.edu\/programs\/#minorstext\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFall 2025\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the minor is the latest degree offering from the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECollege of Sciences\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Astrobiology Program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. Scholars from the \u003Cstrong\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts \u003C\/strong\u003Ewill teach several classes offered as part of the minor, including INTA 3043: Space Policy, and School of Literature, Media, and Communication classes on topics such as the age of scientific discovery, the rhetoric of scientific inquiry, and science fiction.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAstrobio in Focus\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Minor in Astrobiology will provide a broad, interdisciplinary introduction to the field of astrobiology while encouraging exploration beyond students\u2019 primary fields of study.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe program will foster the development of well-rounded scientists and engineers who will graduate with confidence in their knowledge and ability to engage in cutting-edge endeavors across the astrobiology discipline.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022One of the most exciting aspects of the GT astrobiology minor is that it is truly interdisciplinary, enabling students to see how the arts and sciences operate synergistically,\u0022 said Regents\u0027 Professor Lisa Yaszek, who teaches some of the classes. \u0022This is particularly true of science fiction, which is often called \u0027the premier art form of modernity\u0027 because it emerged in tandem with the scientific and industrial revolutions and enables artists to communicate their experiences with science and technology and their hopes and fears about the future across centuries, continents, and cultures.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Minor in Astrobiology is open to all undergraduates at Georgia Tech. Students who enroll now and meet program requirements may graduate with the minor designation as early as the end of Fall 2025 term.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMariel Borowitz, who teaches space policy in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, said it\u0027s crucial for scientists and engineers to understand the implications of technology.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Including space policy ensures that students understand how policy decisions and institutions affect the path and priorities for research. This gives them the tools to understand \u2014 and potentially engage in \u2014 policy development in this area, preparing them to be leaders in the field,\u0022 said Borowitz.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EEnrolled students will learn about the physical and chemical conditions for development of a habitable planet; deeply understand Earth, space, and planetary science\u0026nbsp;as well as the origin and evolution of life on Earth; and critically evaluate scientific issues related to astrobiology in media and popular culture.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHabitable Planet\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe foundation of the new minor is the popular\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E course EAS 1601: Habitable Planet. Led by EAS\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EAssistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/rivera-hernandez-dr-frances\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFrances Rivera-Hern\u00e1ndez\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, the course enrolls up to 300 students a semester and expands options for study and career horizons.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u0022Students from a lot of different majors enjoy 1601 where they get a true sense for the broadness of astrobio \u2014 stars, galaxies, biology, life beyond Earth, and how we create technology and science to explore those places,\u201d Rivera-Hern\u00e1ndez explains.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003ELike the new minor, EAS 1601 is also open to all majors. The class is offered in person across fall and spring semesters, and also available online during the summer term.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cWe\u2019re purposely very flexible with that course and the overall minor,\u201d adds EAS Jean \u201cChris\u201d Purvis Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/people\/glass-dr-jennifer\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Glass\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E. \u201cStudents use EAS 1601 as a launchpoint to pick their interests for their wider field of study and to hone career interests \u2014 whether that\u2019s space, biology, and autonomous rovers; hunting for chemical signs of life beyond our planet; or becoming an entrepreneur.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EOver the past five years, students in the class frequently asked for formal degree offerings in astrobiology. Glass and fellow faculty partnered with then-graduate fellow\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/tylerproche\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETyler Roche\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E to explore the idea of a minor, leveraging\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/12-proposals-achieve-college-sciences-strategic-goals-funded-sutherland-deans-chair\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESutherland Dean\u0027s Chair funding\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E in 2021 to officially launch the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Astrobiology Program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E in tandem with the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/graduate-certificate\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAstrobiology Graduate Certificate Program\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/georgia-tech-astrobiology-fellowship\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAstrobiology Fellows\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, and\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/exo\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExplOrigins\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E young researcher group.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2 dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAstrobio and Beyond\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe Astrobiology Program is now supported by the new\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/space.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech Space Research Initiative\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E and co-directed by Rivera-Hern\u00e1ndez and EAS\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003EAssistant Professor\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/christopher-carr\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChristopher E. Carr\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, who holds a primary appointment in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ae.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDaniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EGlass and Rivera-Hern\u00e1ndez co-direct the Astrobiology Graduate Certificate Program, and co-direct the Astrobiology Minor with\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/nicholas-hud\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENicholas Hud\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E,\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003ERegents\u0027 Professor and Julius Brown Professor in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003EThe team\u2019s collaborative approach to interdisciplinary leadership mirrors unique opportunities ahead for students who are interested in exciting careers across the field of astrobiology and beyond.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u201cThe minor is designed across three broad divisions of study,\u201d Glass adds. \u201cWhether you\u2019re curious about \u2018Foundations of Life,\u2019 want to dive deep into \u2018Earth, Space, and Other Worlds,\u2019 or are exploring career ideas for \u2018Astrobiology in a Wider World,\u2019 we\u2019ve built a solid home for you in Astrobio at Tech.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp dir=\u0022ltr\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/astrobiology.gatech.edu\/astrobiology-minor\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMinor in Astrobiology\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E will be listed in the\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/catalog.gatech.edu\/programs\/#minorstext\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2025-26 Catalog\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E beginning May 12.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIvan Allen College scholars will teach classes in the new minor.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Ivan Allen College scholars will teach classes in the new minor."}],"uid":"34600","created_gmt":"2025-05-15 20:28:22","changed_gmt":"2025-09-19 16:52:48","author":"mpearson34","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-05-15T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-05-15T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677080":{"id":"677080","type":"image","title":"murchison_image2-jd-169.jpg","body":null,"created":"1747341060","gmt_created":"2025-05-15 20:31:00","changed":"1747341060","gmt_changed":"2025-05-15 20:31:00","alt":"A piece of meteorite inside a glass jar.","file":{"fid":"260945","name":"murchison_image2-jd-169.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/15\/murchison_image2-jd-169.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/05\/15\/murchison_image2-jd-169.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":225532,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/05\/15\/murchison_image2-jd-169.jpg?itok=B-JpAk7M"}}},"media_ids":["677080"],"groups":[{"id":"660370","name":"Space"}],"categories":[{"id":"136","name":"Aerospace"}],"keywords":[{"id":"194767","name":"go-cspir"}],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193657","name":"Space Research Initiative"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu\u0022\u003EMichael Pearson\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIvan Allen College of Liberal Arts\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["michael.pearson@iac.gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}