Reece Wilkinson

About

Reece completed his undergraduate degree with the Open University, studying for a Combined STEM degree with a focus on biology, geology and planetary science. He then completed an MSc in Planetary Science at University College London, where he researched the habitability potential of volcanic material on Mars by analysing terrestrial materials from Iceland using FTIR spectroscopy to identify organic molecules relevant to life. Reece is now completing a PhD at Kent alongside working as an Associate Lecturer for the Open University teaching planetary science, astrobiology and practical science skills.

Research interests

Reece’s PhD project investigates whether bacteria such as E. coli are capable of surviving hypervelocity impacts at speeds in excess of 5 km/s. This is done by firing bacterial samples at hypervelocity using the Light Gas Gun facility at Kent. Beyond investigating survival, Reece is also looking at whether the extremes of temperature and pressure experienced by the bacteria during the impacts may have an influence on their evolutionary pathway and thus may have contributed to the diversity of life we see today.

Professional

Memberships:
Royal Astronomical Society
Europlanet Society
Microbiology Society
Astrobiology Society of Britain

Outreach

Reece is a STEM Ambassador for the South East and offers Nuffield Research Placements to A-Level students in Kent. These placements provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to gain experience working in laboratories, conducting their own research, and writing and presenting their results.