David Grinspoon

Dr.
David H. Grinspoon

In June 2014, at the John W. Kluge Center of the Library of Congress seminar focusing on astrobiology.
Planetary Science Institute
Senior Scientist
In office
2014-present
John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress
Baruch S. Blumberg/NASA Chair in Astrobiology
In office
2012-2013
Preceded by Position established
Succeeded by Steven J. Dick
European Space Agency's Venus Express
Interdisciplinary Scientist
In office
2008-present
Denver Museum of Nature & Science Department of Space Sciences
Curator of Astrobiology
In office
2006-2012
Personal details
Born 1959
Nationality American
Alma mater Brown University (B.A and B.S.)
University of Arizona (Ph.D.)
Occupation Astrobiologist
Awards Carl Sagan Medal
PEN Center USA Literary Award for Research Nonfiction
Website funkyscience.net

David H. Grinspoon (born 1959) is an American astrobiologist. He is Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute[1] and was the former inaugural Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology for 2012-2013.[2][3][4][5][6]

His research focuses on comparative planetology, with a focus on climate evolution on Earth-like planets and implications for habitability. He has also studied, written and lectured on the human influence on Earth, as seen in cosmic perspective.

He has published three books, Venus Revealed, which was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times book prize, Lonely Planets: The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life, which won the 2004 PEN literary award for nonfiction[7] and Earth in Human Hands, which was named one of NPR's Science Friday "Best Science Books of 2016". He is adjunct professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Science at the University of Colorado.[8]

Early life

Grinspoon was born in 1959. His father was Harvard psychiatrist and author Lester Grinspoon. He holds degrees in Philosophy of Science and Planetary Science from Brown University and a doctorate in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona.[5]

Career

Grinspoon serves as an advisor to NASA on space exploration strategy[9] and as an Interdisciplinary Scientist on the European Space Agency's Venus Express spacecraft mission to Venus.[10] In addition to being a science team member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute Titan Team,[11] he serves as science Co-Investigator and team lead for Education and Public Outreach for the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the Mars Science Laboratory.[12][13][5]

His popular writing has appeared in numerous periodicals, such as Slate, Scientific American, Natural History, The Sciences, Seed, Astronomy, The Boston Globe, LA Times, and The New York Times.[13] Grinspoon's technical papers have been published in Nature, Science, and numerous other journals.[13] He has been featured on many television programs including PBS's Life Beyond Earth, BBC's The Planets, and History Channel's The Universe, as well as on NPR’s Science Fridays, Wisconsin Public Radio, and BBC World Service shows. He has given invited talks at international conferences throughout the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Grinspoon also writes the bi-monthly "Cosmic Relief" column for Sky & Telescope magazine, where he is also a contributing editor.[14][15] In addition, he has appeared several times as a guest, and also as guest host, of Neil deGrasse Tyson's popular podcast and live shows StarTalk.[16]

In 2013, he was invited to give the Carl Sagan Lecture at the Fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

Awards

Grinspoon has won many awards including the 2006 Carl Sagan Medal by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society for excellence in public communication of planetary science; Alpha Geek 2007 by WIRED Magazine; the 2004 PEN Center USA Literary Award for Research Nonfiction for Lonely Planets; 1997 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist for Venus Revealed; and the 1989 Gerard P. Kuiper Memorial Award at the University of Arizona.[1]

Personal life

Grinspoon is an award-winning musician who has played guitar and composed for many bands. Currently, he is performing with the House Band of the Universe. He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife.

Notable works

References

  1. 1 2 "Dr. David Grinspoon" (Biography). Planetary Science Institute. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  2. ↑ "David Grinspoon Named to Astrobiology Chair". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
  3. ↑ Urschel, Donna. "David Grinspoon Named the First Chair in Astrobiology At John W. Kluge Center". News from the Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "David Grinspoon Named the First Chair in Astrobiology At John W. Kluge Center". News from the Library of Congress. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  5. 1 2 3 "David Grinspoon, PhD" (PDF). Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Retrieved 2016-05-05.
  6. ↑ "Denver Museum curator chosen as NASA-Library of Congress astrobiology chair". Denver Post. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
  7. ↑ "About David Grinspoon" (Biography). CafeSci. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
  8. ↑ "Astrophysical and Planetary Science Directory". Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Science. University of Colorado.
  9. ↑ "Solar System Exploration - People". NASA - Solar System Exploration. NASA. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  10. ↑ "Venus Express: Searching for Life - On Earth". European Space Agency - Our Activities. ESA. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  11. ↑ "Members". NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Titan. NASA. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  12. ↑ "SwRI Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) Homepage". SwRI Boulder. Southwest Research Institute. Retrieved 30 January 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 "Even more David". funkyscience.net. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
  14. ↑ "Sky & Telescope: Cosmic Relief Articles". funkyscience.net. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
  15. ↑ "Meet the Staff of Sky & Telescope Magazine". Sky & Telescope. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
  16. ↑ "Cosmic Queries: Human Impact on Earth with Dr. FunkySpoon". StarTalk Radio Show by Neil deGrasse Tyson. 2014-06-22. Retrieved 2016-05-06.

Further reading

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