Tanja Bosak

Tanja Bosak is a Professor of Geobiology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS). As a John Reed Science Investigator, she combines molecular biology, biogeochemistry, and sedimentology to study microbial systems that shaped early Earth and potential life signatures on Mars. She serves as the Returned Sample Science Co-Lead for NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission.

• BSc in Geophysics - University of Zagreb
• PhD in Geobiology - California Institute of Technology (2005)
• Postdoctoral Fellow - Harvard University's Microbial Sciences Initiative

Her research focuses on geobiological processes through:

• Microbialite formation mechanisms
• Biosignature identification in ancient and Martian rocks
• Stable isotope fractionation studies
• Photosynthesis evolution research
• Carbon sequestration applications

Tanja's publications reveal expertise in microbial interactions with planetary surfaces, particularly studying silicification processes, manganese oxidation, and early biosignatures. Her work bridges Earth's Precambrian history with Mars exploration strategies.

Scientific recognitions include:

• James B. Macelwane Medal (2011)
• MIT Harold E. Edgerton Faculty Achievement Award (2011)
• Subaru Outstanding Woman in Science Award (2007)
• Simons Collaboration on Origins of Life Investigator (2014)
• School of Science Fundamental Science Investigator Award (2022)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2021)

As part of her Mars 2020 mission role, she leads research preparing for extraterrestrial sample analysis while mentoring graduate students in fundamental questions about Earth's oxygenation history. Her laboratory investigates microbial-driven mineral formation with potential applications for atmospheric carbon dioxide removal.