SETI Forward celebrates the future of cosmic exploration

SETI Forward celebrates the future of cosmic exploration
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025

The SETI Institute has announced Gabriella Rizzo and Pritvik Sinhadc as recipients of the 2024 SETI Forward Award. Both honorees have demonstrated exceptional dedication to research that advances our understanding of life in extreme environments and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence. These awards, established by Lew Levy, founder of the SETI Forward committee and a member of the SETI Institute's Council of Advisors, highlight the efforts of undergraduate researchers and aim to inspire the next generation of scientists in the fields of SETI and astrobiology.

"In our 6th year of SETI Forward, I am continually impressed with the amazing students entering the scientific community," said Levy. "SETI Forward recognizes undergraduates such as Gabriella and Pritvik who want to join the search for life outside of Earth, and I have no doubt they will join the growing SETI community."

Gabriella Rizzo: Investigating Extreme Lifeforms

Gabriella Rizzo, a first-year PhD student in the Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been recognized for her research into
extremophiles-organisms that thrive in extreme environments.

During her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, under the mentorship of Dr. James Holden, she focused on deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Her research led to the discovery of a new microbe, strain Ax23, which thrives at 149 F (65 C) by consuming hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce methane. This discovery, made in a Pacific Ocean vent, suggests the potential for similar lifeforms in extraterrestrial hydrothermal environments such as those on Europa or Enceladus.

"Astrobiology is inherently an interdisciplinary science-a synthesis of geomicrobiology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy," said Gabriella. "This breadth allows me the unique and rare opportunity to approach my research questions from many perspectives. Through astrobiology, I have honed my ability to bridge disciplines, distill complex ideas, and collaborate seamlessly across varied scientific backgrounds. These skills position me to lead future projects that address fundamental questions about the nature and existence of life in the universe."

Pritvik Sinhadc: A Novel Approach to Technosignatures

Pritvik Sinhadc, an undergraduate at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), has been recognized for pioneering a new method of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence using gravitational waves (GWs).

Mentored by Dr. Yuk L. Yung and Dr. Stuart Bartlett, Pritvik's project applies Complexity Theory to analyze GW signals for patterns that may indicate advanced alien civilizations. Unlike traditional searches focused on radio signals, this method seeks universal patterns that could reveal technosignatures from any intelligent life, regardless of their nature. This approach has the potential to revolutionize how scientists search for life in the cosmos.

"This project has been an extraordinary journey, allowing me to merge my passions for astrophysics, GW physics, and astrobiology," said Pritvik.

"Exploring the unknown and pushing the boundaries of science drive me, and I am honored to receive the SETI Forward Award. This recognition is not just an acknowledgment of my work but a catalyst for my aspirations to redefine how we search for extraterrestrial intelligence by integrating GW physics with Complexity Theory, offering a universal and inclusive approach to identifying technosignatures.

"I hope to contribute to a future where humanity understands its place in the cosmos and explores life as we don't know it. As I advance in my academic and professional journey, I aspire to bridge theoretical physics, astrophysics, and astrobiology, strengthening my resolve to continue asking big questions about life in the universe."

Encouraging Scientific Careers

The SETI Forward award, initiated through Lew Levy's collaboration with SETI Institute trustee Dane Glasgow, seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate research, graduate studies, and professional careers. By providing stipends for research projects and conference participation, the program enables young scientists to explore complex scientific questions and continue their pursuit of cosmic discovery.

A diverse panel administers the SETI Forward Fund, selecting recipients from undergraduate students engaged in mentored research. Gabriella Rizzo and Pritvik Sinhadc will be formally honored at the Drake Awards in May 2025.