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About

Maguy Jaber is a leading researcher at the intersection of clay mineralogy, astrobiology, and organic geochemistry. Her work is centrally concerned with understanding how organic molecules interact with mineral surfaces, particularly clays, under extreme environmental conditions—a focus that has profound implications for the search for life on Mars. Her major contributions include pioneering studies on the stability of molecular biosignatures under simulated Martian conditions. In her most cited work (2020, 23 citations), Jaber investigated how UV irradiation degrades key organic compounds—such as phthalic acid and amino acids—when adsorbed onto the clay mineral montmorillonite in the presence of magnesium perchlorate, a salt abundant on the Martian surface. This research is critical for interpreting data from Mars rovers, as it demonstrates that clays can both protect and alter organic molecules, complicating the search for life. Her findings have shaped how scientists select target minerals and interpret near-infrared spectral data from planetary missions. Jaber’s work bridges materials science and space exploration, offering essential insights into the preservation of organic matter on Mars and the limits of biosignature detection.