AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion

Biography

Bruce Jakosky, received his Ph.D. in 1982 from the California Institute of Technology. His research interests focus on the surfaces and atmospheres of planets, evolution of atmospheres, and possible life on other planets. His current focus is primarily on Mars, including evolution of the atmosphere on billion-year timescales, evolution on "obliquity" timescales, seasonal cycles and surface-atmosphere exchange of volatiles, and possible Martian biota. Stable isotopes in the Martian environment are used as indicators of the efficiency of evolution and biological processes. He is investigating geochemical processes on Mars as a source of energy to support possible life. He is also interested in philosophical aspects of astrobiology. He is currently involved in the Mars Global Surveyor mission as an Interdisciplinary Scientist for Surface-Atmosphere interactions. He is also head of the University of Colorado effort in Astrobiology, as part of the larger NASA Astrobiology Institute initiative.