Lígia F Coelho

51 Pegasi b Fellow at Cornell University

Astrobiology, Astrophysics and Planetary Sciences

About me

I lead an independent research program on biosignature detection and interpretation at Cornell University. I am an interdisciplinary scientist at my core. My integration of astrophysics and planetary science with biology has enabled advances in exoplanet biosignatures that challenge existing paradigms in the field.

My research focuses on biosignature detection, characterization, and interpretation, with an emphasis on current and upcoming telescopes and space missions. My approach integrates fieldwork in extreme environments, remote sensing, laboratory experiments, and modeling to address one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?

My academic interests also extend to innovation in space engineering, where I have designed experiments aimed at improving astronaut comfort and sustainability during spaceflight. In 2025, I led the first study to test menstrual cups under spaceflight conditions.

My work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a 51 Pegasi b Fellowship from the Heising-Simons Foundation. In 2022, I was the sole Portuguese recipient of the Fulbright-Schuman Fellowship for Scholars.

Microbiologist and bioengineer by training

A decade of experience in biology and biomedicine including cancer research, infections diagnosis and microbial ecology.

From the field into the model

I go directly to the field to collect microorganisms with biosignatures of interest. I measure the reflectance of life at the surface and create biologically-informed planetary models.

Exoplanets and icy moons!

I measure the reflectance of a diverse set of microorganisms and use this data to simulate the surface of exoplanets or as a parameter for modeling the surface of icy moons like Europa!