Amanda Stockton

Amanda Stockton is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the development of analytical instruments for planetary exploration and the study of terrestrial analog environments to understand conditions suitable for life emergence. She leads the Stockton Lab, which specializes in microfluidics, biosignature detection, and astrobiological applications.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry and Aerospace Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2004)
• M.A. in Chemistry, Brown University (2006)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of California Berkeley (2010)

Stockton’s work bridges planetary science and analytical chemistry, targeting extraterrestrial life detection through technologies like the FELDSPAR and IMPOA projects. Her research explores sea spray aerosols, icy moon penetrators, and microfluidic systems for environmental and medical diagnostics.

Research Highlights:

• Instrument development for Europa and Enceladus missions
• Microfluidic tools for origin-of-life experiments
• Terrestrial applications in environmental monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics
• Collaborative studies in Icelandic and Antarctic analog environments

The Stockton Lab’s publications reveal expertise in biosignature preservation, Raman spectroscopy, and planetary habitability, with a focus on Mars and ocean worlds. Her team has pioneered low-cost microfluidic platforms like GLUE and modular CE-LIF systems.