Expedition & Field Research in Atacama
Apply by April 6
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2 Weeks, May-June 2025
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About
Become immersed in Expedition & Field Research in Atacama (EFRA) over 2 weeks inperson and 1 week online with field work in remote areas of Chile & Peru with Faculty. Explore desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers and hot springs in extreme environments similar to Mars and other worlds. Explore VLT telescope observatory, astrophotography, analog mission simulation in NASA Research Station. Learn and apply microbiology sampling, mineral analysis, Geochemistry, biology, bioinformatic soil analysis, and more. With field equipment including MinION NanoPore DNA/RNA Sequencer, characterize how cells adapt in extreme environments similar to Mars and to advance life on Earth and beyond.
$1,490
Inperson/Online Hybrid
2 Credits, Certificate
R&D Project-based
Up to 50% Scholarships Available
$950 (with scholarship)
Instructors and Staff
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Faculty & Program Coordinator,
MPU
Cofounder, Magneto Space
Founder, Space4All
Ted Tagami
CEO and Co-founder, Magnitude.io
Scientist,Center of Astrobiology of CSIC,
16 years of research with NASA.
PhD, Microbiology, Biological Sciences
Contact Information
Kole Lutz
Program Coordinator,
kole[at]mp-university.net
Program Timeline
November 20: Info Session Webinar
April 14: Application Due Date
May 18-June 8: On-Site Program
Valle de la Luna & Marte
Camping near San Pedros
Salar de Talar (salt flats)
Alto Patache Research Station
Schedule
Cohort is immersed in a blend of 1 week online to prepare and 1 week afterward to reflect on research and data analysis. The Course is designed to fit the schedule of graduate and undergraduate students during Summer break and toward young professionals. Attendance for most lectures and activities on-site is mandatory to receive Certificate.
Week 1:Online Discussions,Planning & Preparations
Week 2-3: Onsite Program & Field Research
Week 3: 1-week Online, Discussion, R&D Project/Labs due, Post Data Analysis
Detailed On-site Schedule
Day 1 Arrive in Santiago
Day 2 Fly to Calama, Transfer to San Pedro de Atacama
Day 3 Cuchabrache & Valle de la Luna, Marte, Evening of Stargazing
Day 4 Salar de Atacama
Day 5 Guatín and Puritama Hot Springs
Day 6 Hike from Machuca Village to Río Grande Village
Day 7 Quebrada de Nacimiento, Salt Flats & Lagoons
Day 8 Rainbow Valley, Visit Cejar & Tebinquinche Lagoons
Day 9 Tatio Geysers & Cerro Copa Coya
Day 10 Depart Chile
Real-time sequencing and analysis of Genomes in Field with DNA/RNA MinION
Analogue Habitat Mission in NASA Research Station Alto Patache
Astrobiology Research in Field
Applied Research in the Field
Learn and apply microbiology sampling, mineral analysis, Geochemistry, biology, bioinformatic soil analysis, and more. Equipment includes MinION NanoPore DNA/RNA Sequencer, NanoVNA Spectrum Analysers to Measure Chemical Composition, Geochemistry, which are used for low cost data collection in situ.Bacteria culture testing and PCR reactions may be used for rapid identification. Develop hypothesis and implement research project experiment in the field. In collaborating with NASA Programs, each team applies hands toward opensource science important for Earth planetary science, climate change, and biology.
Application & Admissions
Application Requirements
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Statement of Intent (up to 2 paragraphs)
We will review your application and will begin sending rolling notices in January 2025 by Review Committee. We recommend applying beforehand on earlier side. Note that even if you don’t have budget, scholarships may be made available to cover tuition expenses to participate in Program. While the Institution may later become accredited, we maintain academic standards and intensity with review from Expedition leaders and scientists. Credits are Transferrable on case by case basis with Transfer Centre at University of interest. Contact Program Coordinator to discuss any questions, comments or opportunities to get involved