Hannah Lynn Barks McLain

About

Hannah McLain is an analytical chemist and research scientist with the Catholic University of America at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. With over 15 years of experience in ultra-trace analytical chemistry, she specializes in the detection and characterization of amino acids, amines, and other soluble organic compounds in complex matrices—including meteorites, asteroid samples, lunar regolith, and Mars analog materials. Her work supports major planetary science missions such as OSIRIS-REx, Hayabusa2, and Mars Science Laboratory, with recognized contributions in contamination control, sample preparation, and biosignature detection. She has received multiple NASA Group Achievement Awards and international honors, including the Collier Trophy, RNASA Stellar Award, and the naming of asteroid (117614) Hannahmclain by the International Astronomical Union.
Hannah’s research bridges analytical chemistry, environmental science, and planetary materials analysis. She has developed and optimized LC-MS and GC-MS methods for high-sensitivity quantification of organics, implemented ISO-compliant cleanroom protocols, and led experimental investigations into the survivability and transformation of prebiotic molecules under space-relevant irradiation conditions—including gamma rays, protons, UV light, plasma, neutrons, and X-rays. Her studies span radiolytic effects in icy environments (e.g., Europa, Enceladus), organic preservation in fresh meteorite falls (e.g., asteroid 2018 LA), and the long-term stability of amino acids in Mars-like permafrost and oxidizing environments.
By integrating laboratory-based irradiation experiments with the analysis of naturally exposed extraterrestrial materials, Hannah advances strategies for biosignature detection and chemical resilience. Her work contributes to the development of novel analytical methods and supports mission-critical efforts in national security, environmental assessment, and space exploration.