Michaela J Dobson – The AstroBioGeologist | Astrobiology, Geology & Science Communication

Explore Origins of life, extreme life and life on other planets

Join interactive talks, workshops, and social media engagement that link rocks to life beyond Earth, making complex science accessible for students and the public.

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Who am I

I research Earth’s ancient life to illuminate how life could arise elsewhere, translating geology into relatable, hands-on science and story telling for diverse audiences.

A close-up photographic realism image of a weathered sedimentary rock slab on a dark laboratory table, its surface sliced and polished to reveal intricate, wavy stromatolite layers in muted blues, browns, and creams. Thin, finely banded textures curve and dome upward, clearly distinguishing each microbial mat layer. Beside the slab lies a stainless-steel caliper and a labeled specimen tag with precise coordinates and age, adding scientific context. Overhead, cool, diffused lab lighting casts even illumination, highlighting subtle mineral sparkle and micro-textures while producing soft, controlled shadows. The background gently blurs into shelves of rock cores and acid-washed glassware, with a calm, focused atmosphere. Captured from a slightly elevated angle with shallow depth of field, the composition evokes rigorous, evidence-based exploration of ancient life on Earth.
A cinematic, photographic realism panorama of an imagined early Earth shoreline, viewed from a low angle at the water’s edge. Jagged dark basalt and pillow lavas frame shallow tidal pools filled with cloudy, mineral-rich water, their surfaces broken by matted, greenish microbial films clinging to rock. In the distance, low, hazy volcanic islands exhale thin plumes under a thick, copper-tinted atmosphere. Warm, low-angle sunlight pierces the haze, casting dramatic highlights on wet rock surfaces and long, moody shadows between boulders. Fine mist softens the horizon, creating depth and a sense of alien familiarity. Composition uses the rule of thirds, with detailed foreground textures and a gently blurred background, producing a serious yet awe-filled mood that bridges geology and the origins of life.
A crisp, photographic realism view inside a clean planetary-analogue laboratory, centered on a wide stainless-steel bench covered with neatly organized extraterrestrial soil simulants. Distinct trays contain fine reddish Mars regolith analogue, coarse icy pellets for Europa, and charcoal-dark, porous grains for an asteroid surface, each labeled with clear, modern typography. Nearby, a high-resolution microscope, a small programmable rover chassis, and a row of sealed sample jars add context. Bright, evenly distributed LED panel lighting from above creates minimal shadows and emphasizes texture differences in each simulant. The mood is precise, methodical, and forward-looking. Shot from an eye-level, slightly wide perspective, with sharp focus across the frame and a clean, modern aesthetic, the composition conveys cutting-edge experimental work linking geology to potential habitats for life beyond Earth.

Astrobiogeology Outreach Services

Public talks and corporate events about Astrobiogeology and Space Sciences. Talks are tailored to the audiences interests.

Hands-on classroom workshops around geology and space science that spark curiosity.

Field trips and virtual tours connect Earth analogues with planetary geology, inspiring inquiry.

Social Media designed tonally for engagement with Gen Z and Millennials in affiliation with New Zealand Astrobiology Network

What people say

Helpful and approachable speaker who makes it easy to ask questions and get
clarification

Engaging and enthusiastic facilitator that is very interactive and interesting. The knowledge from the facilitator made this program work well.

The facilitator’s energy and passion is contagious. She brings professionalism and has a big impact of the lives she shares her story with

Contact Me

For booking, school programs, and public talks, reach me with your location, preferred dates, and audience size

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