Michelle Tran joined JPL as a postdoctoral researcher in February of 2025 in the chemical analysis and life detection group. Prior to joining as a postdoc, she was a summer graduate intern at JPL in 2022 and 2023 working on developing methods for detecting biosignatures of life. She completed her PhD in analytical chemistry from Oregon State University in 2024 with a thesis focused on developing new microfluidic technology and analytical methods for biodosimetry in space. Her current research is focused on developing electrochemical sensors for evaluating inorganics in water samples for potential astrobiology applications.

In her free time, she enjoys camping, climbing, and exploring nature with other postdocs and friends.

• Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry – Oregon State University (2024)
• B.S. in Biochemistry – University of Portland (2016)

• Astrobiology
• Biosignatures of life and habitability assessment
• Instrument and sensor development

• Sensors, Microdevices and Instruments  | Remote/In Situ/Life Detection Instruments And Sensors

• Postdoctoral researcher at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2025-present)
• Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Oregon State University (2018-2024)
• Summer Graduate Intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2021-2023)
• Research Associate at Oregon National Primate Research Center (2016-2018)

• Professional Society and External Organization Awards | 37th International Symposium on Microscale Analysis Separation and Bioanalysis | Best Poster Award (2021)
• Professional Society and External Organization Awards | NASA | Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity awardee (2020)
• Professional Society Fellowship | Ingram Award & Fellowship | Oregon State University (2019)