Dr. Ben Pearce

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dr. Ben Pearce is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, Planetary Sciences at Purdue University, specializing in astrobiology and the origins of life. His research focuses on understanding terrestrial atmospheric processes and their implications for the emergence of life on Earth. He utilizes a combination of laboratory experiments and atmospheric modeling to recreate conditions that led to the formation of life-sustaining organic compounds. Dr. Pearce earned his PhD and MSc in Physics Astronomy - Astrobiology from McMaster University and holds Bachelor's degrees in Astronomy from the University of British Columbia and Software Engineering from the University of Calgary. He has been awarded the PNAS Cozzarelli Prize (2017) for his contributions to understanding HCN production in Hadean Earth atmospheres. His work has been published in various prestigious journals, marking significant advancements in the field of astrobiology and planetary science.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Teaching and conducting research in Earth, Atmospheric, Planetary Sciences.

51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Johns Hopkins University •

Conducted research on planetary atmospheres.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Johns Hopkins University •

Focused on astrobiological implications of atmospheric chemistry.

Awards

#

PNAS Cozzarelli Prize

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.