Joseph hopes to one day work at the NASA Astrobiology Institute, where he can contribute to the search for life beyond Earth. By pursuing a degree in Biological Science, Joseph is building the foundation he’ll need to contribute to interdisciplinary efforts that bridge biology, chemistry, and space exploration. He is especially interested in the chemical signatures of microbial life, and how Earth’s most resilient organisms can serve as models for potential extraterrestrial life forms.
In addition to research, Joseph participated in Outdoor Pursuits trips, including overnight hikes and paddling excursions. These outings nurtured his love for nature and strengthened his sense of community at FSU. While Joseph did not hold formal leadership roles in these organizations during his first year, he actively contributed to both by being a reliable participant and eager learner.
A classic Margherita Neapolitan pizza.
Joseph is deeply interested in the intersection of microbiology, chemistry, and planetary science, particularly as it relates to astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. He is fascinated by how life adapts to extreme environments on Earth, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or subglacial lakes, and how these organisms can serve as models for potential extraterrestrial life. His research interests focus on the chemical and microbial conditions that make an environment habitable, as well as the use of plants and microbes to understand host-microbe interactions and biological resilience. Joseph is especially curious about icy moons like Europa or Enceladus and the possibility that subsurface oceans on these worlds could support microbial ecosystems. Under the mentorship of Dr. David Thoms in the Department of Biological Science, Joseph joined a lab investigating plant-pathogen interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model organism in plant biology. The research focused on how different strains of Arabidopsis respond to bacterial infection and how root microbiota may influence immune responses. Joseph assisted in the maintenance of plant populations, data collection, and the design of root inoculation experiments. His responsibilities also included microscopy, sterile technique, and contributing to poster development for the Spring UROP Symposium.