Chemistry & Biochemistry Seminar: "Astrochemistry & the Formation of New Worlds" - Dr. Jennifer Bergner (Asst. Prof., U.C. Berkeley)
Overview
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Dr. Jennifer Bergner Assistant Professor of Chemistry UC Berkeley, College of Chemistry |
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Astrochemistry and the Formation of New Worlds Friday, November 14, 2025 1:00-2:00 pm Abstract Planets form within disks composed of gas, ice, and dust in orbit around young stars. The composition and distribution of volatiles (gas+ice) within these disks profoundly impacts both the chemical and physical outcomes of planet formation-- including the delivery of prebiotic building blocks to new worlds. In this talk, I will describe how we are using powerful telescopes in conjunction with lab experiments to understand the chemical and microphysical behavior of volatile molecules in planet-forming environments. We aim to assemble a more complete picture of the chemical environment which regulates the composition and potential habitability of planets, while also gaining new insight into the fundamental molecular processes in extreme conditions. |