Self education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is - Issac Asimov.

You have a device in front of you that contains most of the knowledge of human kind - Use it!

My educational philosophy is based on the belief that young students possess remarkable potential and an innate curiosity for science. My goal is to ignite and nurture this intrinsic fascination, guiding students toward a deeper understanding of the world around them. I believe in the profound impact of firsthand experiences in the pursuit of knowledge. Encouraging students to actively engage in experiments, problem-solving, and critical thinking not only enhances their comprehension but also fosters a lasting connection to the subject matter. In my view, science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge. By emphasizing the process of inquiry, analysis, and discovery, I aim to equip students with skills that extend beyond the classroom – skills that empower them to approach challenges with confidence, embrace curiosity, and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of human understanding.

Excession Cover art by Mark Salwowski

I’m a Planetary Scientist/Educator. I got into planetary science through a love of science fiction:

Star Trek over Star Wars, Banks over Asimov, Clarke over Banks, new Dune over old Dune, old “The Day the Earth Stood Still” over new “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Aliens over Predator.

Favorite books - Children of Time, Rendevouz with Rama, The Diamond Age, Seven Eves, Consider Phlebas, Blue Mars, Project Hail Mary

I am a series purist - If given the choice, always read your sci-fi by publication date not chronological order.

Favorite movies - District 9, Moon, Arrival, Contact, Aliens 3, Star Trek II - Wrath of Khan (except for the ear wormy things), Annihilation, Oblivion (not in that order)

Favorite Planetary Science Object

I grew up in Australia, completed my Ph.D. in the UK, and have lived in the US since 2004. I have Australian, US, and Dutch citizenship. I’ve been a research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Lunar Planetary Institute, and the Arctic Planetary Science Institute.

I live on Mercer Island with Henning, my awesome kids (Nova and Luna), two giant Bernese Mountain dogs (Suedey and Quaker), and one tiny Tribble named Wookiee (90% made of fur and rage).

  • Cross-AG Ocean Worlds Working Group (OWWG) Member

    The first community meeting for the OWWG Science Goals is meeting February 14th. The OWWG will begin organizing meetings for the development of a Strategic Plan for the Exploration of Ocean Worlds in our solar system during the next 50 years. We, Drs. Angela Marusiak (UoA) and Misha Zolotov (ASU), will co-lead the development of science goals for the Plan. Our primary role is to coordinate community efforts in this activity. Planned final products are a written Strategic Plan, an extended presentation, and a community paper.

    To learn more about OWWG and sign up for the mailing list, click here: https://www.lpi.usra.edu/owwg/

  • Near Earth Object Characterization Working Group (C-WG) Member

    Part of the NEO WARP effort to recommend Planetary Defense action plans and resources identified during the NEO WARP series led by Andy Rivkin (JHUAPL) and Toshi Hirabayashi (Georgia Tech). Our final goal is to create a set of recommendations related to Characterization. The final report will be summarized and presented during the NEO WARP meeting at JHUAPL on 09/24.

  • DPS Annual Meeting Virtual Organizing Committee (VOC) Member

    56th Annual DPS (Division of Planetary Sciences) Meeting on 6-10 October, 2024 at the Boise Center in Boise Idaho.