María Angélica Leal Leal, PhD

What’s your message to the world?

I am an astrobiologist working at the intersection of Antarctic research, geomicrobiology, and planetary analog studies. My work focuses on characterizing extreme environments—particularly volcanic and hydrothermal sites in Deception Island—as analogs for Mars. I study microbial diversity, habitability conditions, and environmental parameters relevant to life detection strategies in planetary missions. Beyond research, I lead scientific outreach and educational programs that connect polar science with broader society, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and develop initiatives that support women, caregivers, and underrepresented communities in STEM. My work aims to advance inclusive, impactful science for extreme-environment exploration.

What keeps you going?

I am driven by curiosity and by the conviction that science can change lives. Working in polar and planetary science allows me to explore some of the most extreme environments on Earth while asking questions about life beyond our planet. I love the combination of fieldwork, laboratory work, and data analysis, but above all I value the opportunity to open doors for others. Coming from Latin America, I know how powerful it is to see someone “like you” doing science. I keep going because each project can inspire, include, and transform real people and territories.

What’s your message to the world?

My message to the world is this: “do not imitate, create”. In the polar regions, where silence, ice, and ancient winds shape the edges of our planet, we learn that life thrives not by copying, but by daring to adapt, imagine, and transform. My work in Antarctic and planetary science reminds me every day that exploration is an act of creation, of new knowledge, new paths, and new possibilities. I believe science should empower people to dream boldly, to claim their place, and to create futures as resilient and extraordinary as the polar landscapes themselves.