Tracing the evolution of aromatic molecules from interstellar space to planetary systems

宇宙碳的路径，从恒星锻造到它在浩瀚太空中的化学转化，再到我们的太阳系，对于理解地球上生命的起源至关重要。太空中的大部分碳被认为是以大而优雅的分子结构形式存在的，称为多环芳烃（PAH）。多环芳烃被认为是生命产生的分子支架。我的总体研究计划的重点是探索天体化学的分子基础，使用实验室实验。从长远来看，我的实验室将致力于了解星际碳的生命周期，短期重点是测量小芳香分子和多环芳烃在太空中的形成和破坏途径。我的长期愿景是建立一个天体化学领域的领先专家团队，他们可以支持新的和创新的天文观测活动，并解决基本的科学问题。该实验室将是加拿大第一个此类实验室，并将开辟一个新的研究领域，将加拿大在天文学和化学方面的专门知识联系起来。这项研究计划将弥合学科差距，以帮助回答有关多环芳烃在宇宙碳演变中的作用的问题。在短期内，我的团队将（1）研究太空中简单芳香环和杂环的形成途径;（2）确定这些环如何形成最简单的多环芳烃;（3）通过研究可能的破坏途径来量化这些分子在星际空间中的生存。这些目标将有助于实现三个长期目标，以了解：（A）即使是最简单的芳香分子也能在太空中形成，为什么我们还没有在太阳系外观察到杂环;（B）多环芳烃可以通过所谓的“自下而上的机制”从较小的碳氢化合物在太空中形成，还是必须通过涉及破坏较大物种的“自上而下的机制”形成;（C）小的多环芳烃可以在太空中一直生存到新太阳系的形成。总体而言，该计划将培养4名博士，2名硕士和6名本科生。该计划旨在提供特殊的培训，为HQP的个人职业抱负做好准备，并建立EDI实践的知识。我的HQP将发展广泛的技术知识和创造性的解决问题的能力。我们的研究将涉及团队合作，分析大型数据集，设计和建造科学仪器，使用尖端望远镜探索宇宙，进行计算机模拟和解释结果。HQP将被内在的兴趣所吸引，可能没有意识到他们正在开发的技能可以转移到加拿大的一系列劳动力中。重要的是，这项研究计划触及了一些基本问题，例如：我们是如何来到这里的？我们是孤独的吗？这些问题激发了人们的想象力;通过对我们的宇宙和我们在其中的位置的共同好奇心，将人们聚集在一起。

The path of cosmic carbon, from the stellar forges to its chemical transformation in the vastness of space and delivery to our solar system, is critical to understand the origin of life on Earth. Much of the carbon in space is believed to exist in the form of large, elegant molecular structures called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have been proposed to serve as molecular scaffold upon which life arose. My overarching research program focuses on probing the molecular underpinnings of astrochemistry using laboratory experiments. In the long term, my lab will aim to understand the life cycle of interstellar carbon, with a short term focus on measuring formation and destruction routes of small aromatic molecules and PAHs in space. My long-term vision is to establish a team of leading experts in astrochemistry who can support new and innovative astronomical observing campaigns, as well as solve fundamental scientific questions. This laboratory will be the first of its kind in Canada and will open up a new research field linking Canadian expertise in astronomy and chemistry. This research program will bridge discipline gaps to help answer questions about the role of PAHs in the evolution of cosmic carbon. In the short term, my team will (1) investigate formation routes for simple aromatic and heterocyclic rings in space; (2) determine how these rings form the simplest PAHs; and (3) quantify the survival of these molecules in interstellar space by studying likely destruction pathways. These objectives will contribute to three long term goals to understand whether: (A) even the simplest aromatic molecules can form in space and why we have yet to observe heterocycles outside of our solar system; (B) PAHs can form in space by so called "bottom-up mechanisms" from smaller hydrocarbons, or whether they must form by "top-down mechanisms" involving destruction of larger species; and (C) small PAHs can survive in space all the way to the formation of new solar systems. Overall, this program will train 4 PhDs, 2 MScs and 6 undergraduates. This program is designed to provide exceptional training to prepare HQP for their individual career aspirations and to build knowledge of EDI practices. My HQP will develop broad technical knowledge and creative problem solving skills. Our research will involve collaborating in teams, analyzing large datasets, designing and building scientific instruments, using cutting edge telescopes to explore the universe, performing computer simulations, and interpreting the results. HQP will be attracted by intrinsic interest and may not realize that they are developing skills that are transferable to a range of Canadian workforces. Importantly, this research program touches on fundamental questions, such as: how did we get here? and, are we alone? Such questions capture the imagination; bringing people together by a shared sense of wonder about our universe and our place within it.