Andrew Alberini

                        About me

I obtained my bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Pisa, with a thesis work entitled "Habitability zone for extrasolar planets". Subsequently, I achieved my master's degree, from the University of Florence, in Physics and Astrophysics (specialization in Astrobiology) through a thesis work entitled "Laboratory experiments to support detection of organics on Mars by the NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance rover and future exploration missions of planetary surfaces". Now, I am a PhD student of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of University of Florence. My research project is carried on at the INAF- Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri under the supervision of Dr. John Robert Brucato and Dr. Teresa Fornaro. Specifically, it is focused on the search for traces of extraterrestrial life on Martian surface through the interpretation of Perseverance in-situ spectroscopic results. Main objective is to produce an infrared spectroscopy database of Martian analog samples to support the interpretation of NASA Mars 2020 and also the future ESA ExoMars rover instruments. In addition, I am conducting experiments that shed light on the photostability of abiotic and biotic organic molecules adsorbed on mineral matrices of Martian interest to determine which classes of molecule-mineral complexes will be most likely to be detected.

I am a NASA Mars 2020 scientific team member for two instruments onboard the Perseverance rover: SuperCam, a remote-sensing instrument suite, and SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals). My primary role is to investigate infrared and Raman spectra from in situ observations and compare them with laboratory analogue experiments. As an official member of the mission operations team, I contribute to the planning and execution of instrument activities, including data upload and download to and from the Perseverance rover, at IRAP and CNES in Toulouse (France).

I’m collaborating with the JAXA Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission team and Giovanni Poggiali (member of the science team) to investigate and resolve the long-standing debate on the origin of the Martian moons – either captured primitive bodies or the outcome of a giant impact. In particular, I’m analyzing the correlations between mission data from Phobos and laboratory analogue experiments. In parallel, I’m contributing directly to the scientific activity of the MIRS (MMX InfraRed Spectrometer) instrument, part of the mission payload for the investigation of the Martian moons and the sample return from Phobos.

I am part of the international team analyzing the asteroid Ryugu returned samples recently allocated during the JAXA AO 2025 to INAF - Arcetri laboratory, with responsibility for FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) and μ-FTIR spectroscopy. My work investigates how grain-size variations affect mineralogy and infrared properties, enabling comparison with Hayabusa2 and Bennu data to better interpret the evolution of carbonaceous asteroids.

I co-organized the International Astrobiology School – “From interstellar molecules to first cells” (Florence, Sala Poccetti, Innocenti Museum, 21–24 May 2024) as a chair member of both the Scientific Organising Committee (SOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC). This first international astrobiology event for early-career researchers gathered participants from over 25 countries across 5 continents (including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and the USA). The school covered topics ranging from Solar System exploration, meteorites, and astrochemistry to the origins of life and the philosophy of science, and featured interactive workshops, a World Café session, and a poster session. My role encompassed both scientific planning and logistical coordination, ensuring the success and international visibility of the event.

I have developed extensive expertise in the use of advanced laboratory instrumentation, including FTIR (Fourier Transform InfraRed) spectroscopy, Deep-UV Raman and Fluorescence systems, vacuum chambers and UV irradiation sources, as well as in the application of analysis software. My skills also cover sample preparation, handling and characterization, ensuring high-quality and reproducible experimental results. In addition, I contributed to the management and organisation of the laboratory, coordinating the supply of materials and resources to support scientific research activities.