Dr. Maria Fernanda Mora
Scientist/Technologist
About
Bio
Dr. Mora’s research has focused on developing new strategies for the analysis of biomolecules by capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microchip electrophoresis (ME) coupled to multiple detection systems. She has extensive experience in design, fabrication, and implementation of microfluidic devices coupled to both optical and electrochemical detection. Dr. Mora developed the first integrated microdevice for completely automated analysis of amino acids by microchip electrophoresis coupled to fluorescence detection. The system was remotely operated aboard a rover during a simulated Mars mission in the Atacama Desert, Chile in 2019. This was the first demonstration of a fully automated microchip electrophoresis analysis of amino acids in soil samples relevant to planetary exploration and astrobiology. This validation was a critical milestone in the advancement of this technology for future implementation on a spaceflight mission focused on life detection. Her current work involves developing strategies for simultaneous analysis of inorganic ions and organic molecules by capillary electrophoresis and contactless conductivity detection as well as analysis of organic biosignatures by capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
Education
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, USA (2005 – 2009).
- B.S. in Chemistry, National Univ. of Cordoba, Argentina. (1997 –2002).
Research Interests
Microfluidics, astrobiology, chemical analysis, biosignatures, in situ instruments, life detection, astrobiology
Experience
Professional Experience
- Technologist IV, Chemical Analysis and Life Detection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. April 2023 to date.
- Technologist III, Chemical Analysis and Life Detection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. November 2016 to March 2023.
- Acting Group Supervisor, Chemical Analysis and Life Detection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. February to June 2021.
- Technologist II, Chemical Analysis and Life Detection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. March 2013 to October 2016.
- PI of PICASSO Project Microfluidic Ion Analyzer (2016-2022)
- Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar at JPL. March 2010 to February 2013. Under the supervision of Dr. Willis.
- Research Scientist, UTSA. From September 2009 to February 2010.
- Research Assistant, National University of Cordoba. Argentina. From May to August 2009.
- Visiting Student, Dr. Whitesides’ Lab, Harvard University. From August to October 2008 under the supervision of Dr. Emanuel Carrilho.
- Graduate Research Assistant, UTSA. 2007 to April 2009.
- Teaching Assistant. General Chemistry I Lab, UTSA. Spring 2007.
- Teaching Assistant. General Chemistry Lab and Analytical Chemistry Lab, UTSA 2005-2006.
- Teaching Assistant. National University of Cordoba, Argentina 2002-2004.
- Research Assistant, National University of Cordoba, Argentina 2002-2004.
Research Community Service
- Panelist during the 35th Annual Latina History Day Conference for the workshop Piece by Piece: Discovering Pathways to Careers of the Future for high school students. – March 6th, 2026.
- Associate Speaker during the 34th Annual Latina History Day Conference for the Latinas Shaping the Future of STEM+ workshop for high school students. – March 2025
- Speaker during the annual Latina History Day Conference 2024 for the Latinas Shaping the Future of STEM+ workshop for high school students. – March 2024
- Mentor for a day during AbSciCon 2024 – May 2024
- Presenter during annual event for teachers at the National Museum of Sarmiento, Buenos Aires, Argentina. “La fascinante tarea de buscar vida extraterrestre.” September, 2021
- Presenter, TEDxCordoba, Cordoba, Argentina.“El Desafio de Buscar Vida Extraterrestre.” November, 2018.
Achievements
Awards & Recognitions
- JPL Team Award | JPL Team Award (Proposal on Mars. Instrument Opportunity) (2020)
- The Lew Allen Award for Excellence | Lew Allen Award for "excellence in the development and validation of chemical analysis methodology and electrophoresis instruments for future life detection missions." (2019)
- JPL Voyager Award (2016)
- JPL Team Award | JPL Team Award (Proposal on Mars. Instrument Opportunity) (2014)
Publications
(1) Drevinskas, T.; Cable, M. L.; Stenner, C.; Gardner, A. S.; Paton, M.; Malaska, M. J.; Cruz, S.; Rieber, R.; Etheredge, R.; Robinson, M.; et al. In Situ Analytical Chemistry Laboratory for the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor. ACS Meas Sci Au 2026, 6 (2), 421–429.
(2) Kok, M. G. M.; Mora, M. F. Fatty Acid Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis and Contactless Conductivity Detection for Future Life Detection Missions. Electrophoresis 2025, 46 (1-2), 5–12.
(3) Drevinskas, T.; Berg, A.; Noell, A. C.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A. 3D-Printable Rotary Valves for Low-Pressure Pneumatic and Fluidic Applications in Analytical Chemistry. Anal. Chem. 2024, 96 (52), 20343–20347.
(4) Kurfman, E. A.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A.; Lunte, S. M. Development of capillary electrophoresis methods for the detection of microbial metabolites on potential future spaceflight missions. Electrophoresis 2024, 45 (19-20), 1684–1691.
(5) Berg, A. B.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Bautista, A.; Mora, M. F.; Pauken, M. T.; Noell, A. C. Development of a capillary temperature control system for capillary electrophoresis instruments designed for spaceflight applications. Electrophoresis 2024, 45 (17-18), 1495–1504.
(6) Cieslarova, Z.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C.; Parker, C. W.; Willis, P. A. Effect of pH on the Release of Amino Acids from Microorganisms via Subcritical Water Extraction. ACS Earth Space Chem. 2024, 8 (2), 274–280.
(7) Tran, M. T.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A. Protocol for Derivatization of Amino Acids Using Dried Fluorescent Dye for In Situ Analysis. ACS Earth Space Chem. 2024, 8 (1), 99–103.
(8) Stoker, C. R.; Glass, B. J.; Stucky, T. R.; Dave, A. I.; Kobayashi, L. T.; Quinn, R. C.; Moreno-Paz, M.; Sánchez-García, L.; Mora, M. F.; Kehl, F.; et al. A Mission Simulating the Search for Life on Mars with Automated Drilling, Sample Handling, and Life Detection Instruments Performed in the Hyperarid Core of the Atacama Desert, Chile. Astrobiology 2023, 23 (12), 1284–1302.
(9) Drevinskas, T.; Noell, A. C.; Kehl, F.; Zamuruyev, K.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Mora, M. F.; Boone, T. D.; Hoac, T.; Quinn, R. C.; Ricco, A. J.; et al. A gravity-independent single-phase electrode reservoir for capillary electrophoresis applications. Electrophoresis 2023, 44 (13-14), 1047–1056.
(10) Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Zamuruyev, K.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A. A hydrodynamic injection approach for capillary electrophoresis using rotor–stator valves. Electrophoresis 2023, 44 (9-10), 784–792.
(11) Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Kurfman, E.; Zamuruyev, K.; Noell, A. C.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A. A voltage trade study for the design of capillary electrophoresis instruments for spaceflight. Electrophoresis 2023, 44 (1-2), 10–14.
(12) Drevinskas, T.; Mora, M. F.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A. Submersible Capillary Electrophoresis Analyzer: A Proof-of-Concept Demonstration of an In Situ Instrument for Future Missions to Ocean Worlds. Anal. Chem. 2023, 95 (27), 10249–10256.
(13) Kok, M. G. M.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C.; Parker, C. W.; Willis, P. A. A Novel and Sensitive Method for the Analysis of Fatty Acid Biosignatures by Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry. Anal. Chem. 2022, 94 (37), 12807–12814.
(14) Mauceri, S.; Lee, J.; Wronkiewicz, M.; Mandrake, L.; Doran, G.; Lightholder, J.; Cieslarova, Z.; Kok, M.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. Autonomous CE Mass-Spectra Examination for the Ocean Worlds Life Surveyor. Earth Space Sci. 2022, 9 (10), e2022EA002247.
(15) Sherrit, S.; Badescu, M.; Noell, A. C.; Kehl, F.; Mora, M. F.; Oborny, N. J.; Creamer, J. S.; Willis, P. A. Acoustic Processing of Fluidic Samples for Planetary Exploration. Frontiers in Space Technologies 2022, 3, Original Research.
(16) Cieslarova, Z.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A.; Mora, M. F. From Microorganisms to Biosignatures: Subcritical Water Extraction as a Sample Preparation Technique for Future Life Detection Missions. Geophys. Res. Lett. 2022, 49 (12), e2022GL098082.
(17) Mora, M. F.; Kok, M. G. M.; Noell, A.; Willis, P. A. Detection of biosignatures by capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry in the presence of salts relevant to ocean worlds missions. Astrobiology 2022, 22, 914.
(18) Brinckerhoff, W. B.; Willis, P. A.; Ricco, A. J.; Kaplan, D. A.; Danell, R. M.; Grubisic, A.; Mora, M. F.; Creamer, J. S.; Noell, A.; Stern, J.; et al. Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) for a Future Europa Lander Mission. Frontiers in Space Technologies 2022, 2, Original Research.
(19) Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Metz, B. C.; da Costa, E. T.; do Lago, C. L.; Willis, P. A.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C. Towards a radiation-tolerant contactless conductivity detector for use with capillary electrophoresis systems in spaceflight applications. Acta Astronaut. 2022, 190, 299–307.
(20) Jaramillo, E. A.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Noell, A. C.; Mora, M. F. Capillary electrophoresis method for analysis of inorganic and organic anions related to habitability and the search for life. Electrophoresis 2021, 42, 1956–1964.
(21) Zamuruyev, K.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Mora, M. F.; Kurfman, E. A.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A. Automated Capillary Electrophoresis System Compatible with Multiple Detectors for Potential In Situ Spaceflight Missions. Anal. Chem. 2021, 93 (27), 9647–9655.
(22) Willis, P.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A.; Creamer, J.; Kehl, F.; Zamuruyev, K.; Jaramillo, E. A.; Kok, M.; Cieslarova, Z.; Ferreira Santos, M. S.; et al. How To Search for Chemical Biosignatures on Ocean Worlds. Bulletin of the AAS, 53(4). Retrieved from https://baas.aas.org/pub/2021n4i293 2021.
(23) Mora, M. F.; Kehl, F.; Tavares da Costa, E.; Bramall, N.; Willis, P. A. Fully Automated Microchip Electrophoresis Analyzer for Potential Life Detection Missions. Anal. Chem. 2020, 92 (19), 12959–12966.
(24) Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Noell, A. C.; Mora, M. F. Methods for onboard monitoring of silver biocide during future human space exploration missions. Anal. Methods 2020, 12 (25), 3205–3209, 10.1039/D0AY00518E.
(25) Creamer, J. S.; Mora, M. F.; Noell, A. C.; Willis, P. A. Long-term thermal stability of fluorescent dye used for chiral amino acid analysis on future spaceflight missions. Electrophoresis 2019, 40 (23-24), 3117–3122.
(26) Mora, M. F.; Garcia, C. D.; Schaumburg, F.; Kler, P. A.; Berli, C. L. A.; Hashimoto, M.; Carrilho, E. Patterning and Modeling Three-Dimensional Microfluidic Devices Fabricated on a Single Sheet of Paper. Anal. Chem. 2019, 91 (13), 8298–8303.
(27) P. Willis; W. Brinckerhoff; A. Ricco; J. Creamer; M.F. Mora; A. Noell; J. Eigenbrode, e. a. A universal approach in the search for life at the molecular level. White paper submitted to the Committee on an Astrobiology Science Strategy for the Search for Life in the Universe, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. 2018.
(28) Ferreira Santos, M. S.; Cordeiro, T. G.; Noell, A., C.; Garcia, C. D.; Mora, M. F. Analysis of Inorganic Cations and Amino Acids in High Salinity Samples by Capillary Electrophoresis and Conductivity Detection: Implications for in-situ Exploration of Ocean Worlds. Electrophoresis 2018, 39, 2890–2897.
(29) Creamer, J. S.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A. Stability of reagents used for chiral amino acid analysis during spaceflight missions in high-radiation environments. Electrophoresis 2018, 39 (22), 2864–2871.
(30) Creamer, J. S.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A. Enhanced Resolution of Chiral Amino Acids with Capillary Electrophoresis for Biosignature Detection in Extraterrestrial Samples. Anal. Chem. 2017, 89 (2), 1329–1337.
(31) Willis, P.; Creamer, J. S.; Mora, M. Implementation of microchip electrophoresis instrumentation for future spaceflight missions. Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 2015, 407 (23), 6939–6963.
(32) da Costa, E. T.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A.; do Lago, C. L.; Jiao, H.; Garcia, C. D. Getting started with open-hardware: Development and control of microfluidic devices. Electrophoresis 2014, 35 (16), 2370–2377.
(33) Cable, M. L.; Hörst, S. M.; He, C.; Stockton, A. M.; Mora, M. F.; Tolbert, M. A.; Smith, M. A.; Willis, P. A. Identification of primary amines in Titan tholins using microchip nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis. Earth Planet. Sc. Lett. 2014, 403 (0), 99–107.
(34) Cable, M. L.; Stockton, A. M.; Mora, M. F.; Hand, K. P.; Willis, P. A. Microchip nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis of saturated fatty acids using a new fluorescent dye. Anal. Methods 2014, 6 (24), 9532–9535, 10.1039/C4AY01243G.
(35) Stockton, A. M.; Mora, M. F.; Cable, M. L.; Willis, P. A. Design Rules and Operational Optimization for Rapid, Contamination-Free Microfluidic Transfer Using Monolithic Membrane Valves. Sens. Act. B 2013, 177, 668– 675.
(36) Stockton, A. M.; Mora, M. F.; Cable, M. L.; Willis, P. A. Hydrolysis of 3-Carboxy-6,8-Difluoro-7-Hydroxycoumarin (Pacific BlueTM) Succinimidyl Ester Under Acidic and Basic Conditions. Dyes and Pigments 2013, 96 (1), 148–151.
(37) Cable, M. L.; Stockton, A. M.; Mora, M. F.; Willis, P. A. Low temperature microchip non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (µNACE) of long-chain primary amines: Applications to Titan chemistry. Anal. Chem. 2013, 85, 1124−1131.
(38) Mora, M. F.; Stockton, A. M.; Willis, P. A. Analysis of Thiols by Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis for In Situ Planetary Investigations. Electrophoresis 2013, 34, 309–316.
(39) Mora, M. F.; Stockton, A. M.; Willis, P. A. Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Instrumentation for In Situ Analysis in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life. Electrophoresis 2012, 33, 2624–2638.
(40) Mora, M. F.; Greer, F.; Stockton, A. M.; Bryant, S.; Willis, P. A. Toward Total Automation of Microfluidics for Extraterrestrial In Situ Analysis. Anal. Chem. 2011, 83 (22), 8636–8641.
(41) Mora, M. F.; Reza Nejadnik, M.; Baylon-Cardiel, J. L.; Giacomelli, C. E.; Garcia, C. D. Determination of a setup correction function to obtain adsorption kinetic data at stagnation point flow conditions. J. Colloid. Interface. Sci. 2010, 346 (1), 208–215.
(42) Soetedjo, H.; Mora, M. F.; Garcia, C. D. Optical Properties of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Films. Thin Solid Films 2009, 518 (14), 3954–3959.
(43) Mora, M. F.; Giacomelli, C.; Garcia, C. Interaction of D-Amino Acid Oxidase with Carbon Nanotubes: Implications in the Design of Biosensors. Anal. Chem. 2009, 81 (3), 1016–1022.
(44) Berg, C.; Valdez, D. C.; Bergeron, P.; Mora, M. F.; Garcia, C. D.; Ayon, A. Lab-on-a-robot: Integrated microchip CE, power supply, electrochemical detector, wireless unit, and mobile platform. Electrophoresis 2008, 29 (24), 4914–4921.
(45) Nicotra, V. E.; Mora, M. F.; Iglesias, R. A.; Baruzzi, A. M. Spectroscopic Characterization of Thionine Species in Different Media. Dyes and Pigments 2008, 76 (2), 315–318.
(46) Mora, M. F.; Felhofer, J.; Ayon, A.; Garcia, C. D. Surfactants as a Preferred Option to Improve Separation and Electrochemical Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis. Anal. Letters 2008, 41, 312–334.
(47) Blanes, L.; Mora, M. F.; Do Lago, C. L.; Ayon, A.; Garcia, C. D. Lab-on-a-Chip Biosensor for Glucose Based on a Packed Immobilized Enzyme Reactor. Electroanalysis 2007, 19, 2451–2456.
(48) Ding, Y.; Mora, M. F.; Merrill, G. N.; Garcia, C. D. Effect of the Surfactant Structure in the Analysis of Phenolic Compounds using Microchips and Electrochemical Detection. Analyst 2007, 132, 997–1004.
(49) Mora, M. F.; Giacomelli, C. E.; Garcia, C. D. Electrophoretic Effects of the Adsorption of Anionic Surfactants to Poly(dimethylsiloxane)-Coated Capillaries. Anal. Chem. 2007, 79 (17), 6675–6681.
(50) Mora, M. F.; Ding, Y.; Mejia, E.; Garcia, C. D. Application of Microchip-Capillary Electrophoresis and Pulsed Electrochemical Detection to the Analysis of Biologically Relevant Phenolic Compounds. J. Capill. Electrophor. Microchip Technol. 2007, 10, 7–18.
(51) Mora, M. F.; García, C. D. Electrophoretic Separation of Environmentally Important Phenolic Compounds Using Montmorillonite-coated Fused-silica Capillaries. Electrophoresis 2007, 28 (8), 1197–1203.
(52) Mejia, E.; Ding, Y.; Mora, M. F.; Garcia, C. D. Determination of Banned Sudan Dyes in Chili Powder by Capillary Electrophoresis. Food Chem. 2007, 102 (4), 1027–1033.
(53) Ding, Y.; Mora, M. F.; Garcia, C. D. Analysis of Alkyl Gallates and Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid using Plastic Capillary Electrophoresis -Microchips. Anal. Chim. Acta 2006, 561 (1-2), 126–132.
(54) Iglesias, R. A.; Mora, M. F.; Baruzzi, A. M. Spectroelectrochemical Analysis of the Thionine Transfer Coupled to a Photoinduced Chemical Reaction Across the Water1,2-dichloroethane Interface. J. Electroanal. Chem. 2005, 585 (1), 113–119.
(55) Mora, M. F.; Wilke, N.; Baruzzi, A. M. Electron-Transfer Processes at Electrodes Covered by Lipid Layers. Correlation with the Lipid Behavior at the Air-Water Interface. Langmuir 2003, 19 (17), 6876–6880.