Modeling Microbial Growth Dynamics Under Variable Extraterrestrial Conditions
Location
Havener Center, Miner Lounge / Wiese Atrium, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Start Date
4-1-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
4-1-2026 3:30 PM
Presentation Date
April 1:2026; 1:30pm-3:30pm
Description
The search for extraterrestrial life is hindered by the inability to directly study potential organisms in extraterrestrial environments. A predictive model for microbial growth dynamics was constructed with known environmental conditions and environmental requirements for a suspected organism. Employing the logistic model, the growth rate was modulated through a fitness score defined by the degree to which the organism’s needs overlap with the environmental conditions. This modulation changes the model by only allowing growth when the conditions are suitable, and penalizing mismatch. By allowing environmental conditions to vary in time, growth curves for an organism in a volatile environment can be produced. Similarly, the organism’s needs can vary in time, allowing for adaptation. This enables the creation of organism classes based on adaptation rates, and environmental classes based on volatility. These classifications simplify the model, allowing pairings to be studied, further aiding in the search for life beyond Earth.
Biography
My name is Aster Davidson, I am a senior in physics and I have been a researcher for Dr. Mormile since my sophomore year. I was attracted to S&T by the SDELC and have been a part of the Mars Rover Design Team all four years I’ve been here, including our first place win at our competition last year. In my time here I have helped the Mars Rover Design Team develop and manufacture custom spectrometers for the competition with the goal of life detection, and frequently spoken with Dr. Mormile about the search for life beyond Earth. For as long as I can remember I’ve had an interest in what was up in the sky and I love being able to study it.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Document Type
Poster
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
event
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Modeling Microbial Growth Dynamics Under Variable Extraterrestrial Conditions
Havener Center, Miner Lounge / Wiese Atrium, 1:30pm-3:30pm
The search for extraterrestrial life is hindered by the inability to directly study potential organisms in extraterrestrial environments. A predictive model for microbial growth dynamics was constructed with known environmental conditions and environmental requirements for a suspected organism. Employing the logistic model, the growth rate was modulated through a fitness score defined by the degree to which the organism’s needs overlap with the environmental conditions. This modulation changes the model by only allowing growth when the conditions are suitable, and penalizing mismatch. By allowing environmental conditions to vary in time, growth curves for an organism in a volatile environment can be produced. Similarly, the organism’s needs can vary in time, allowing for adaptation. This enables the creation of organism classes based on adaptation rates, and environmental classes based on volatility. These classifications simplify the model, allowing pairings to be studied, further aiding in the search for life beyond Earth.
Comments
Advisor: Melanie R. Mormile, mmormile@mst.edu