Our Special Dinner Guest: Kevin Hand, Astrobiologist

Kevin Hand is an astrobiologist who explores the habitability of other worlds by taking a closer look at our own. His current research explores the potential environment of Europa, one of the four Jupiter moons. To create an analogue for detecting indigenous life on Europa, he simulates the surface environment of Europa in an experimental chamber at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, then introduces Earthly microbes. In addition, Kevin has been exploring the deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean, where he looks for clues that may help understand whether Europa could foster life. Kevin is currently the President of Cosmos Education, an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving science education in developing countries and a 3rd year graduate student in the Department of Geological & Environmental Sciences at Stanford University. He was recently a featured scientist in the 2005 IMAX film Aliens of the Deep.

The Dinner Guest Lecture Series is a unique monthly event that brings together important speakers, members of the local cultural and intellectual community, and students from the ISA for an intimate lecture, conversation and dinner prepared by our student body.