

Dr. Maurer is interested in the abiogenesis from both the origins-of-life and synthetic biology perspectives. She builds model cells from amphiphiles, and examines possible life-like properties, such as metabolism or growth and division.
She uses a variety of techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, ELISA, gas chromatography, and high pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. She is always looking for enthusiastic students to do research
Her current projects include:
Her research has been funded through both NSF and NASA. Her current external grants include: