Ben Pearce

Ben Pearce is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. He holds a PhD in Physics and Astronomy (Astrobiology) from McMaster University (2021), an MSc from McMaster (2017), and dual BSc degrees in Astronomy (University of British Columbia, 2015) and Software Engineering (University of Calgary, 2010). His research focuses on the origin of life through experimental and computational approaches, including atmospheric modeling and wet-dry cycling experiments in warm little ponds. He leads the Laboratory for Origins and Astrobiology Research (LOAR), which investigates prebiotic chemistry on Earth and other planetary bodies. His work has been recognized with the 2017 PNAS Cozzarelli Prize.

• Research emphasizes HCN production mechanisms in early Earth atmospheres
• Develops hybrid atmospheric models combining quantum chemistry and fluid dynamics
• Investigates impact cratering effects on ocean worlds

Key findings include demonstrating how Titan's atmospheric chemistry informs prebiotic pathways, and establishing wet-dry cycles as critical for RNA polymerization. His experimental work uses ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze prebiotic samples.