Megan McKissick, a senior chemistry major at the University of Mississippi, is studying rotational and vibrational behavior of carbon-based molecules in space in hopes of discovering how they may be related to the interstellar origins of life. She uses data from the James Webb Space Telescope (upper left) and radio telescopes (lower left) to detect the molecules and their movement. Photo illustration by Megan McKissick
Megan McKissick presented research on space-based molecules tied to life’s origins at national symposium
University of Mississippi senior Megan McKissick may have helped shed light on potential molecular origins of life before she even completed her college degree. Earlier this week, she presented her findings at the American Chemical Society Presidential Symposium.
University chapters of the American Chemical Society nominated more than 135 students from across the nation to present at the March 23 conference in Atlanta. McKissick, a chemistry major specializing in chemical physics, was among six undergraduates selected.
Her presentation highlighted her research that can help scientists find new cosmic molecules that may be related to how life began.
“My research focuses on the theoretical characterization of the rotational and vibrational behavior of various molecules potentially present in space,” the Franklin, Tennessee, native said.
“My presentation specifically highlighted my work generating spectral data describing these motions for the two molecules, 1,2-diiminoethane and 2-iminoacetaldehyde, that may be related to the interstellar origins of life.”
Similar carbon-based molecules containing oxygen and nitrogen atoms have been detected near molecular clouds in space and may react on interstellar ice and dust to form amino acids or other biomolecules essential for life processes. Molecules like these can then be transported to planets by meteorites.
“This process is widely believed to be responsible for the formation of life on Earth,” McKissick said. “So, the interstellar detection of the molecules I studied can help clarify the molecular origins of life.”
Ryan Fortenberry, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Nathan Hammer, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, have mentored and encouraged McKissick in her efforts.
“I was inspired by Dr. Fortenberry to become involved in research my sophomore year and he has since supported and shaped my development as a scientist, and Dr. Hammer has encouraged me to continue strengthening my abilities as a researcher,” she said.
Both faculty members welcome undergraduates into their research labs.
“Undergraduate research is the best way for our undergraduate majors to really start to understand what chemistry research really means,” Hammer said. “Students are able to contribute to real-world projects that benefit society.
“Undergraduate research gives them the opportunity and insight to see that they are not only capable but can make a real difference in the world and appear as coauthors on publications such as Megan has.”
McKissick has grown as a researcher over her time at Ole Miss, Fortenberry said.
“Megan actually was a little overwhelmed on her first day of research with me, but she didn’t let that stop her,” he said. “And now here she is: she has already been author on three publications as an undergraduate student and should have at least two more publications as a result of her work.”
The experience was valuable to McKissick and also highlighted the valuable role of research by undergraduate students.
“It was an amazing opportunity to speak with some of today’s leading scientists and other undergrads who are just as passionate about research as I am,” McKissick said.
“Young researchers are the future of chemistry and I am grateful organizations like these are placing such a strong emphasis on the role of undergraduate research in the field.”
By Marisa C. Atkinson
About the Author
