Andrew Rushby

Dr. Andrew Rushby is a Lecturer in Astrobiology and Programme Director of the MSc. Astrobiology at Birkbeck, University of London's School of Natural Sciences. He holds an honorary role as a Research Associate at University College London. His research focuses on planetary habitability, biogeochemical feedbacks, and exoplanet climates. He completed a PhD in Biogeochemistry at the University of East Anglia (2016), followed by postdoctoral work at NASA Ames Research Center (2016-2018) and the University of California, Irvine (2018-2021).

• Education: PhD (Biogeochemistry, UEA, 2016), MSc (Environmental Sciences, UEA, 2010), BSc (Physical Geography, King's College London, 2009).

Research Interests:

• Planetary climate stability
• Biosignature detection
• Exoplanet atmospheric characterization
• Carbonate-silicate cycle dynamics
• Land-ocean-atmosphere feedback mechanisms

His recent publications emphasize modeling exoplanet climates, including studies on CO2 ice formation, land albedo effects, and habitability metrics. He co-founded the Exocast podcast to bridge exoplanet science with public outreach. His work has shaped NASA's astrobiology policy through leadership roles in the NExSS network.

Supervision: Currently mentoring Hannah Woodward on exoplanet atmospheric modeling. Teaches modules including Introduction to Astrobiology (Level 5), Foundations of Astrobiology (Level 7), and Astrobiology Analogue Rover Mission (Level 7).

Labs and Teams: Affiliated with Birkbeck's Centre for Planetary Sciences and collaborates with international teams on exoplanet climate modeling initiatives like MEGA-MIP.