Jonah Peter

Dissertation Title: Electromagnetic Phenomena in Biologically Inspired Systems: From Quantum Optics to the Origins of Life

PhD Dissertation Advisors: Dr. Dimitar Sasselov and Dr. Susanne Yelin Department of Physics, Harvard University

My general research interests lie at the intersection of theoretical physics and space life science. I am particularly interested in concepts related to extending human presence in space, as well as the search for extraterrestrial life. A common element in my research has been exploring charged particle interactions with biological tissue and potential prebiotic molecules/ environments. I worked on modeling the effects of space radiation on neuronal ion channels under realistic fluence conditions that astronauts might be exposed to during a deep-space transit and extended stay on the Martian surface.