I love science and so when I found the field of Astrobiology – the study of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and beyond – I was hooked! My research has taken me to see the stars from the highest point on Earth (as measured from seafloor!) to volcanos at the bottom of the oceans. I have been lucky to have explored some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth and walk on new ground that was formed right in front of my eyes by flowing lava. I have had the privilege of working with rocket scientists at NASA and some of the smartest minds at Google. All these experiences become possible because I was fortunate to have great supervisors and mentors, both in and outside, ANU.