I am leading a survey studying the ice and dust composition of three molecular clouds in our galaxy using the Spizter Space Telescope. We are using the Infrared Spectrometer (IRS) to study the 5 - 20 micron spectrum toward the molecular clouds. We are probing lines of sight not associated with star formation at varying level of visual extinction. I am also part of the Goddard Center for Astrobiology and collaborating on laboratory experiments which will help interpret the astrophysical observations. In addition, we use millimeter wave studies to determine densities and temperatures of the molecular clouds.
