✦ non est ad astra mollis e terris via ✦
I'm Kamalani, a post-baccalaureate astrochemist and writer. Broadly, I am interested in prebiotic chemistry, protocells, and the origin of life. I'm currently focused on UV-driven prebiotic reaction networks and LLPS behavior, both on nascent planetary bodies and interstellar ices.
From 2022-2024, I did my post-bacc research at Alphane Labs in San Diego, CA, where I was advised by Dr. Jessica Moreton, studying metal-organic synthesis and surface chemistry. I'm currently a Research Associate with the Blue Marble Space Young Scientist Program, where I am advised by Dr. Tomasz Zajkowski, working on computational quantum chemistry of peptide bond formation in prebiotic environments.
Beyond research, I enjoy writing, reading, music, Classical Latin, and tea.
From 2022-2024, I did my post-bacc research at Alphane Labs in San Diego, CA, where I was advised by Dr. Jessica Moreton, studying metal-organic synthesis and surface chemistry. I'm currently a Research Associate with the Blue Marble Space Young Scientist Program, where I am advised by Dr. Tomasz Zajkowski, working on computational quantum chemistry of peptide bond formation in prebiotic environments.
Beyond research, I enjoy writing, reading, music, Classical Latin, and tea.
Upcoming & Recent Events
- August 2026: I will be presenting live at BlueSciCon with my Blue Marble Space research group.
- June 2026: I've joined Blue Marble Space as a Research Associate in the Young Scientist Program.
- March 2025: Gave presentations with my Alphane Labs research team at ACS Spring 2025.