Eric T. Parker is an Astrochemist at the Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His research encompasses analytical chemistry, astrochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, astrobiology, origins of life, and Earth sciences. Dr. Parker specializes in the application of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry-based analytical techniques to examine complex chemical compositions in extraterrestrial rock samples, with a focus on biomolecules crucial for life. His work involves the analysis of diverse samples, ranging from materials like meteorites and micrometeorites to samples generated through laboratory simulations of prebiotic environments. Key molecules of interest in his research include amino acids and peptides.

Astrobiology is the interdisciplinary study of life in the universe. It seeks to understand the origin, evolution, and potential existence of life beyond Earth. Astrobiologists explore extreme environments on our planet to grasp life's adaptability and investigate the possibility of life on celestial bodies like Mars, Europa, or exoplanets. They examine the conditions required for life, including the presence of water, organic molecules, and habitable zones around stars. By combining insights from biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy, astrobiology aims to address fundamental questions about the potential for life in the cosmos and the origins of life on Earth and elsewhere.