Rashmi Shivni

Oh hey, welcome!
My name is Rashmi, but many know me as Rush.

I started my career as a science journalist and later put myself through graduate school to start another career in science. As a reporter, I covered stories about particle physics experiments, veterinary medicine, microbiology research, and astrophysical discoveries. My beat was predominantly astronomy at various science desks in several newsrooms. As a storyteller, I often reported on hard sciences using narratives about the characters in the lab, on the field, or at the telescope. Despite focusing on physical sciences, I veered into reporting projects outside my comfort zone. In doing so, I developed a new appreciation for the life sciences and taught others about valuable research in biology. This is where I felt my first spark to pursue astrobiology more wholeheartedly.

I pursued a graduate degree in microbiology with astrobiology as a focus—a field I grew passionate about through academics and reporting. My broader interests include planetary science, microbiology, and biochemistry. I gained a better understanding of these fields and how to use them to home in on a specific interest: I wanted to contribute to research in detecting biosignatures on exoplanets. My interests lied in the origins of life, both on Earth and elsewhere in the universe. I obtained a well-rounded, multidisciplinary wealth of knowledge in my MSc microbiology program to further my specific research goals in pigments that point to the potential for life.

Though I’m not actively working as an astrobiologist, my background as a writer and scientist has prepared me for many new roles in my career. I’ve since gained experience in multiple fields—including geochemistry, organic chemistry, and fiber optics.

Cheers,
Rush