2023 Jessberger Award to Jamie Elsila

I am delighted to introduce Jamie Elsila as the recipient of this year's Jessberger Award. met after she returned from service in Peace Corps Tanzania between college and graduate school, where taught chemistry math. She visited NASA Ames with Society Fellow Scott Sandford had done undergraduate research published her first paper (Elsila et al., 1997) (Figure 1). was a post-doc pleasure working when student Dick Zare meteoritic publication 20 years ago (Plows 2003) received PhD 2004. As large cuts NASA's astrobiology program were being proposed 2006, Nier Prize winner, Danny Glavin fortune get funding for new isotope ratio mass spectrometer 2) well hiring point civil servant scientist join our laboratory at Goddard Space Flight Center compound-specific measurements needed firmly establish origin amino acids detected meteorites samples comet Wild 2 by Stardust mission. senior that same Ames, modest experience stable work but keen interest extraterrestrial organic chemistry. encouraged apply; did hired top candidate. Then, now, can master topic became expert challenging field trace organics samples. In particular, analysis foil extracts proved be extremely difficult. Interferences chemical derivatization method used analyses due borate contamination aerogel, low abundances acid amine targets samples, coupled loss precursors foils over time curation, all overcome make measurement. After instrument optimization, able spot signature 13C detection an acid, glycine, derived 2009). It is heartening know compound observed coma 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Rosetta's ROSINA many later (Altwegg 2016; Hadraoui 2019). The mechanism glycine formation 67P further investigated COSIMA instrument, which course Elmar contributed developing (Kissel 2007). soluble compounds, having built strong successful area past decade. Her focuses on understanding abundances, distributions, isotopic composition interpreting information answer important questions about these molecules their potential astrobiological astrochemical contributions Solar System. meticulous systematic approach includes search bias sample workup analysis. For example, performed H, C, N isotopes extract range CM CR 2012). This finally eliminated complication different extractions, methods, instruments often invoked explain conflicting results. has generated most extensive studies various compounds carbonaceous chondrites create database community reactions. collaborates modelers use results examine models reactions, thereby connecting individual projects into broad, impactful conclusions relationships species, mechanisms environments produced molecules, influence parent-body processes inventories. carbon led isotopically confirmed meteorite Mars (Callahan 2013) Apollo Moon 2015). will presenting latest team's study Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) meeting, including efficient preparation lessons both lunar science curation 2023). Jamie's coordinated ANGSA applied OSIRIS-REx year maximize gained destructive minimal fractionation contamination. Furthermore, observations mitigation echo Artemis return committees other community. extended leadership positions Goddard. major roles managing planetary Deputy Director System Exploration Division (akin vice dean). continuing mentorship while balancing commitments management mission work. award “recognizes outstanding cosmochemistry female middle career.” should clear now meets criteria highly deserving award. So, here Elsila, my colleague, former employee, boss, friend.