I am a fourth year PhD candidate (expected graduation: June 2025) in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Riverside (Advisor: Dr. Eddie Schwieterman). I work on exoplanet habitability and biosignatures using photochemical, spectral, and instrumental models to better understand (exo)planetary conditions and potential detectability. I have a focus on vertically integrated modeling and an interest in using laboratory and field studies to enhance modeling work.
Current Projects:
Past Projects
Additional Professional Interests: I am highly interested in advancing DEI efforts through improving recruitment and retention of underserved communities in higher education as well as community outreach projects. I have developed a planetary science/astrobiology activity for my departmental outreach program, and have given public talks and outreach events reaching 100+ people per year. I currently represent graduate students on the departmental DEI committee and organize a workshop series on revenant topics . I plan to pursue a career as a faculty member and am eager pursuing teaching and mentoring opportunities. I was the instructor of record for GEO 013 during Summer 2022, including piloting a flipped classroom and developing new activities and grading metrics. I have completed the University Teaching Certificate at UCR, a competitive pedagogical development program for graduate students. |
Email: michaela.leung (at) email.ucr.edu