Ishaan Madan

Computational astrobiology · workflows · science communication

I model chemical pathways for life beyond Earth.

I’m a PhD student in Planetary Science & Astrobiology at Purdue, building computational workflows that connect prebiotic chemistry, planetary environments, and future mission science.

Ishaan Madan
PhD student in Planetary Science & Astrobiology at Purdue University · NSF Graduate Research Fellow

Selected Work

Focused projects across research, tooling, and public understanding.

01

Prebiotic Chemistry on Titan

Modeling how life’s molecular building blocks could become accessible in Titan-relevant environments.

Question

Which organic products could become accessible on Titan's surface?

Method

Thermodynamic modeling of the molecular inventory in impact melt pools.

Why it matters

This connects prebiotic chemistry to future mission science for NASA's Dragonfly mission.

02

Research Automation Workflows

Building Python-based workflows that make computational chemistry and thermodynamic modeling more reproducible.

Question

How can scientific workflows become clearer, faster, and easier to reproduce?

Method

Python tools for Gaussian input generation, thermochemical data parsing, Cantera equilibrium modeling, and figure generation.

Why it matters

Better workflows reduce repetitive labor, clarify assumptions, and make complex research easier to inspect, share, and build upon.

03

Science Communication

Translating astrobiology, space science, and scientific uncertainty into accessible public-facing stories.

Question

How can complex science become easier to understand without losing nuance?

Method

Videos, writing, presentations, educational content, and audience-specific storytelling.

Why it matters

Science communication helps people connect technical ideas with curiosity, meaning, and possibility.

Contact, CV, and Socials

Contact

Email: madani@purdue.edu

Book a time to meet with me
For collaborations, brainstorming ideas, mentoring, or just connecting.

CV

View my Academic CV

I keep this master CV document up to date with all of my publications, experience, conferences, and more.

View my Industry CV

I keep this industry-relevant CV concise for quick context.

Socials