Imani Ralph

Imani is majoring in Biochemistry with minors in Astrobiology and Statistics and Data Science. She discovered the astrobiology option as a first-year student and was immediately eager to explore the opportunities the program offered in support of her research interests in planetary habitability. 

Given Imani’s interests, it’s not surprising that her favorite minor course was MCB 437: Life in Extreme Environments, which was focused on extremophiles and the various conditions they can inhabit. Taught by Dr. Solange Duhamel (MCB), the class provided Imani with the opportunity to complete a project on a polyextremophile known as Deinococcus radiodurans. Known for surviving in multiple extreme environments such as those with intense infrared radiation, the bacterium provides insight into Mars’ ability to sustain life.

Imani plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician in a field related to pediatrics. As part of her pre-med program, she is supplementing her course work with practical experience. Currently, Imani is working in Dr. M. Leandro Heien’s analytical chemistry laboratory to develop chronic electrodes for in vivo dopamine detection in mice under different stimuli. These types of studies can provide insight into certain conditions related to dopamine levels (e.g., Parkinson’s disease). 

When her schedule permits some free time, Imani enjoys spending time catching up with friends and her favorite Netflix programs.

The Astrobiology undergraduate minor program is administered by LPL.