The SCECIE Team

Members of the Shields Center for Exoplanet Climate and Interdisciplinary Education (SCECIE, pronounced “SEE SEE”) are dedicated to searching for the next planet in the universe where life exists. SCECIE Team members contribute to this search by focusing on exploring the possible climates and potential habitability of Earth-sized planets, particularly those orbiting in the environments of cool, low-mass stars. Our research employs a hierarchy of climate models, along with observational data from space- and ground-based observatories. This allows us to identify those factors most important to a planet’s climate, and to produce the most accurate assessments of the habitability of planets as they are discovered.

We believe there is not one way to be a scientist and are dedicated to using an interdisciplinary approach that combines both science and the arts to create enlightened future scientists and imaginative thinkers. This provides an avenue for individual self-expression and personal exploration that is interwoven with scientific engagement and discovery. This approach uses theater, writing, and visual art to develop personal connections with the universe. With this avenue we aim to encourage middle-school girls from underrepresented groups to develop their interest in astronomy, astrobiology, and the search for the next habitable planet in the universe where life exists.