Benson, Arizona, United States
As a researcher, speaker, filmmaker, and entrepreneur I find connections, build bridges, and bring people into common spaces and times. I motivate potentials into reality in human space exploration, astronomy, and stories captured in film. I value Authentic Intelligence and celebrate human creativity, ingenuity, and connection above everything digital.
Over the Sun, LLC produces platforms for research, science outreach and education, and storytelling. OTS has produced documentary films that capture the curiosity, passion, and drive of those who strive to better understand the inner workings of the world around us and the greater universe in which we live. OTS currently manages development of SIMOC, a computational model and educational interface to study the challenges of off-world, human habitation, and is developing SAM, a hi-fidelity Mars analog and research station at the Biosphere 2. More at www.overthesun.com ...
I lead a small, agile team in the construction and fabrication of SAM, a Space Analog for the Moon & Mars located at the renowned University of Arizona Biosphere 2. SAM is a hermetically sealed and pressurized habitat analog with accommodations for 1-4 crew members, from one to several weeks stays. SAM includes an expansive bioregeneration facility, physico-chemical CO2 scrubber, air lock, use of pressure suits for EVAs, and 3000 sq-ft geologically accurate Mars yard. This research facility provides a unique, world-class environment in which to improve procedures, test equipment, conduct analog missions, and improve our understanding of what it will take to become an interplanetary species.
I am working with CEO and President Grant Anderson on a unique client project, conducting research and modeling for a series of trade studies.
For the duration of my time at LIGO, I benefited from the experience of former Associate Spokesperson Dr. Marco Cavaglia. Through this unique opportunity I gained a breadth and depth in understanding the intricate complexity of the function of the interferometer, data extraction and analysis, and application to detector characterization and supernova detection, and was able to directly contribute to four research papers, each of which applied the genetic programming algorithm (Karoo GP) I developed for my MSc research at the Square Kilometre Array, South Africa. In addition, I had the pleasure of being hosted by Northwestern University, under Dr. Vicky Kalogera and Dr. Shane Larson at the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). Prior to this, I was at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona under the leadership of Dr. Michele Zanolin with the supernova detection group. More at www.ligo.org ...
As a pilot project of the Interplanetary Initiative at ASU SESE, I lead a team that is developing an interactive model of an off-world human habitat. At its core functionality, we model the allocation, consumption, and interaction of vital resources such as air, food, water, and power. As a research tool, SIMOC incorporates some 50 years of data from closed ecosystem research projects at NASA and life support systems at Paragon Space Development Corporation to provide an accurate model of how an isolated community might grow over time. As a platform for education, SIMOC is designed for both formal and informal education, encouraging citizen scientists around the world to learn about the challenges of living off-world---and to reflect upon how we can be more aware of our impact here on Earth. SIMOC includes an NGSS compliant curricula for teachers and students, grades 5-8 and 9-14 prepared by veteran curriculum developers. More at www.simoc.space ...