Jim Pass, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
Email:  jpass at astrosociology.org / Twitter:  @astrosociology

Dr. Pass received a doctorate in sociology from the University of Southern California in 1991. He also received a masters degree in sociology from USC in 1984 . Additionally he holds a B.S. in criminal justice and sociology, as well as a M.S. in criminal justice, both from California State University, Long Beach. Long seeking to combine his passion for space exploration with his professional training in sociology, he finally moved ahead with his long-term ambition in 2003 when inspired by an article he found on the internet written by Dr. Allen Tough, called Positive Consequences of SETI Before Detection, that mentioned the term "astrosociology" as a possible new field (see the Virtual Library page). As the founder of astrosociology, Dr. Pass refined the definition and scope of the new field over the next seven months until he was finally ready to publish the first website dedicated exclusively to astrosociology, Astrosociology.com, in July 2003. From that time forward, Dr. Pass and others have continued to refine the definition, which includes how astrosociology is relevant to daily social life and thus to societies, to the social science fields and disciplines, and to the natural and physical science fields and disciplines. Dr. Pass was adamant about expanding the field of astrosociology from a sociology subfield to a multidisciplinary field, which has helped the field develop more quickly in recent years.

Dr. Pass taught the first astrosociology course. He continues make oral presentations as well as write conference papers, articles, and book chapters regarding various subfields and issues related to astrosociology in order to demonstate the scope, relevance, and need to develop this important field. These subfields include astrosociology in the classroom, the definiton of astrosociology, the need to develop astrosociology alongside STEM subjects, planetary defense, spacefaring societies, astrobiology and SETI, applied astrosociology, space colonies and settlements (including the concept of space societies), medical astrosociology, deviance in space habitats, and the need for formalized collaboration between the two major branches of sciences: the social sciences on the one hand, and the physical and natural sciences on the other hand.

Since August 2004, when Dr. Pass met with Dr. Marilyn Dudley-Flores and Thomas Gangale at the American Sociology Association (ASA) meeting in San Francisco, the development of astrosociology carried forward. They brought the field to the American Institute of Aerosnautic and Astronautics (AIAA) and Dr. Pass was instrumental in establishing the Symposium on Astrosociology as part of the Space Propulsion and Energy Sciences International Forum (SPESIF) in 2007, which lasted for three years. In May 2008, these three founding officers formed the Astrosociology Research Institute, sparked by a major push by Dr. Pass.  Although Dr. Dudley-Flores and Mr. Gangale left ARI to pursure other matters, their contributions were invaluable to the development of astrosociology during its formative years.  Dr. Simone Caroti and Mr. Christopher Hearsey joined ARI in 2010 as officers to take their positions, and the field continues to make strong process under ARI's new leadership. Most recently, serveral new officers have joined ARI, including officers Kathleen Toerpe and Renato Rivera Rusca.

In 2011, Dr. Pass assisted Christopher Hearsey with the editing of a special edition of the journal Astropolitics that was dedicated exclusively to astrosociology. He co-wrote the introduction with Mr. Hearsey and contributed the first article examining the definition of astrosociology. Currently, Dr. Pass continues to work on various projects and programs along with officers, advisors, supporters, and volunteers to further the development of the field. Expect major developments in 2013 and 2014.

Michael Waltemathe, Ph.D., Deputy Chief Executive Officer for International Outreach and Education - Europe
Email: mwaltemathe at astrosociology.org / Twitter: @MWaltemathe

Michael Waltemathe is senior lecturer in religious education at the department of Protestant Theology at Ruhr-University Bochum in Germany. Michael's academic interests include the relationship between human space exploration and religion, connections between media, art and religion (esp. video-games and religion) and the science-religion debate and its place in religious education. His latest publications include the monograph “Playing Religion. Appropriate use of computer-games in religious education”, Hamburg 2011 (German), and the articles “Bridging Multiple Realities: Religion, Play and Alfred Schutz’s Theory of the Life-World”, in: Campbell, Grieve (eds.): Playing with Religion in Digital Games, IN, 2014 (in press) and “A Religious Vision for Interstellar Travel?” in ta katoptrizomena 89 - Exotheologie http://www.theomag.de/89/. Dr. Waltemathe also co-authored “Destination 2064”, a computer-game for the John Calvin-anniversary in 2009. He is currently working on a project concerning analytical approaches to the science-religion debate in religious education.

Renato Rivera Rusca, M.A., Deputy Chief Executive Officer for International Outreach and Education - Asia / Assistant Secretary
Email: rrivera at astrosociology.org

Renato Rivera Rusca is a graduate of Japanese Studies at Stirling University in Scotland and has conducted research on Japanese popular culture in Osaka University and Kyoto University. He has lectured at the Manga Faculty at Kyoto Seika University and has participated in many projects involving the Kyoto International Manga Museum since its inception. He is currently a lecturer at the School of Commerce, Meiji University.

In recent years he has administrated an introductory course on social and economic factors related to space exploration and development as part of the Special Themed Practicum classes in Meiji University, and is a member of the "Uchuu seizongaku kenyuukai", a research group for the study of issues pertaining to the changing role of culture in the space age and its imagined future for the survival of mankind.

Michael S. Dodge, J.D., LL.M., Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Academic Affairs
Email: mdodge at astrosociology.org

Michael S. Dodge currently serves as an Assistant Professor & Graduate Program Director in the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota. Prof. Dodge obtained his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law (2008), and his LL.M. in Air & Space Law at McGill Faculty of Law in Montreal, Canada, where he wrote a thesis on “Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and the GPS-Galileo Agreement”. Prof. Dodge is formerly Research Counsel & Instructor in the LL.M. in Air & Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi School of Law, where he taught courses in aviation law, remote sensing law and regulation, as well as domestic and international space law. At the University of North Dakota, he teaches courses that include space law, history of the space age, space politics & policy, and remote sensing law & regulation. He is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Astrosociology, and the Deputy Chief Executive Office for Academic Affairs for the Astrosociology Research Institute. His research interests include the environmental management of outer space, global navigation satellite systems, the concept of sovereignty and ownership rights in space, and the law and regulation of remote sensing technologies..

Matjaz Vidmar, MSc, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Programs and Special Projects - Europe
Email: mvidmar at astrosociology.org

Matjaz Vidmar obtained a BSc in Physics and MScs in Science and Technology in Society and by Research in Science and Technology Studies, all from the University of Edinburgh. In his undergraduate studies he specialised in Astronomy Instrumentation and in his Masters research he was working in science (policy) evaluation, innovation and economic growth.

He is a doctoral student in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies at the University of Edinburgh, based at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. In his doctoral research, he is deploying ethnographic methodology to study high-tech innovation in the Space Industry, focusing on emerging networks, knowledge transfer and changes to new product development processes, in particular looking at recent (»New Space«) developments in previously peripheral countries.

His research is linked with applications in science policy and business incubation, for instance by working in close partnership with several research organisations, intermediaries and government bodies. Additionally, he is involved in many international initiatives and projects to develop the future of Space Exploration and Industry, such as serving as the Policy Lead for the Gateway Earth Development Group.

As part of his work at the ARI, he is assisting on the production and development of the Journal of Astrosociology, the Astrosociolgical Insights newsletter and expanding the current programmes and projects in research consolidation, education and outreach. He is also leading on developing new networks and initiatives with related fields and researchers across Europe.

He is also a university lecturer, a student mentor and tutor, and an award winning science communicator, with projects delivered in several countries and in leading science and arts venues. You can find more about Matjaz, his work, and how to get in touch at: www.roe.ac.uk/~vidmar.

Simone Caroti, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary

Simone Caroti is Director of Public and Educational Outreach and a member of the board of the Astrosociology Research Institute. In this role, he aims at expanding ARI's membership base and at establishing a set of templates for introducing astrosociological education in schools and colleges across the country. Mr. Caroti is also co-chair of the Astrosociology Symposium at Space Propulsion & Energy Sciences International Forum.

Dr. Caroti received his BA in Anglo-American literature at the University of Trieste, Italy, in February of 2002, and in the summer of the same year moved to Purdue University, Indiana, to conduct his graduate studies in the Comparative Literature program. He received his MA in 2004, and his Ph.D. in 2009 with a dissertation on the history of the generation starship concept in science fiction. This dissertation is now in the process of becoming a book to be published in the near future.

Board of Advisors

In Memoriam (1940-2015)

Albert A. Harrison, Ph.D.

(See the biography and legacy page, and Dr. Harrison's references, which comprise a very good foundation for anyone interested in pursuing astrosociology).

Bob Barboza, M.S.

Education and Careers

Bob Barboza Bob Barboza is currently the CEO of the Barboza Space Center with headquarters in Long Beach, California. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a Master of Science Degree in Special Education. He earned both special and general education teaching credentials from Mount Saint Mary’s College. His school administrative credential is from California State University, Long Beach. He is a self-taught design engineer and is a board member of the Robotic Society of Southern California.

Industry Awards Bob Barboza received the C.U.E. Technology in Leadership, Leadership Award, and the Gohardani Presentation Award Sponsored by The Springs of Dreams Corporation and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for High Standards of Excellence.

Grants, Fellowships, Presentations, and Special Space Science Project-Based Learning Projects

• Southern California Robot Showcases, 2020-Present
• Ontario International Airport Space and Aviation Community Conference
• Barboza Space Center Junior Astronaut, Engineers, and Scientists Tiger Team Training Workshops
• Long Beach Unified School District Barboza Space Center Junior Astronaut Tiger Team Space Science Fellowship Programs
• Barboza Space Center Space and Aviation Program for the Chaffey and Fontana Unified School Districts
• Super School University and Barboza Space Center International Space Science Collaboration Projects Republic of Cabo Verde
• Presentations: Computer Using Educators, California Association of Bilingual Educators, California Association of Resource Specialist, Apple Computer, Boeing High School Internship Program, American Institute of Aerospace and Astronautics, Los Angeles-Las Vegas Section, USC Mission Science and Engineering Presentation for students from USA, Australia and South Korea
• Additional presentations: California Association for the Gifted, California Math Council, California Association of Science Educators

Future Projects

• The Barboza Space Center’s First School on Mars Project
• Astrosociology Leadership Training for High School Astronaut Tiger Teams

Lynn E. Baroff, M.S.

Lynn Baroff is Executive Director of the California Space Education and Workforce Institute (CSEWI), a non-profit agency established by the State of California. The institute’s purpose is to integrate the efforts of that state’s educational establishment and its huge space enterprise, in maintaining and growing the workforce needed for the world’s largest space economy.

He comes to the Institute after 16 years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where he most recently worked as Human-Systems Integration lead with NASA’s Constellation Program, America’s next generation program for human space flight. He continues his association with NASA as a Senior Research Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, leading an agency-wide team in developing a standard for automated and robotic systems that support long duration human space missions. His views on the importance of Astrosociology to the space program stem from his work in developing the social and work process patterns that will support new and long duration space missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.  Mr. Baroff began his NASA career as chief of management training at JPL, where he was an internal consultant to senior management on critical organizational issues. He worked on project formulation and systems engineering teams for JPL’s Dawn mission, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, New Millennium Deep Space 2, and Stardust mission. He also served as JPL’s special liaison to the United States Air Force space program, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center in El Segundo.

Before NASA, Mr. Baroff was a management consultant specializing in work systems analysis, strategic planning, and human resources management. He worked with such clients as Toshiba America, Xerox, Rockwell, and the Country of Los Angeles, creating employee and management educational programs. He has also been a commercial television producer, director and station executive, creating over 3,000 television programs and over 750 commercials.

He holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management, Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and has completed graduate work in Instructional Design and Behavioral Science. Additionally he holds a Certification in Systems Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, and several certifications from NASA. He has been an adjunct faculty member in the USC School of Public Administration, and is currently adjunct faculty at UCLA, teaching Systems Engineering in the Graduate Extension program.

Mr. Baroff is a founding member of spacearchitect.org, a member of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), and a Board member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). His publications include many peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations on topics as diverse as program-level Systems Engineering, Human Factors issues in mission assurance, human-rating for robotic and automated systems used in human space flight, and role-focused competency-based approaches to human resource development in the American workforce.

Sheryl Bishop, Ph.D.

Dr. Sheryl Bishop, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor, and Social Psychologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. She currently serves as Senior Biostatistician for the School of Nursing. From 2001-2007, she served as the curriculum director for UTMB’s Space Life Sciences Ph.D. curriculum. In addition, Dr. Bishop is a faculty at the International Space University, Strasbourg, France, and has contributed yearly to ISU’s Space Science Program since 1994. She served as the co-Chair and Chair for the International Space University’s (ISU) Affiliate Campuses from 1999-2001 and 2006-2008. For the last 20 years, Dr. Bishop has investigated human performance and group dynamics in teams in extreme environments, including deep cavers, mountain climbers, desert survival groups, polar expeditioners and Antarctic winter-over groups and various field simulations of isolated, confined environments for space. She routinely presents her research at numerous scientific conferences, is published in both the medical and psychological fields on topics as diverse as psychometric assessment, research methodology, outcomes research, psychosocial group dynamics and human performance in extreme environments. She has participated in various television documentaries on space and extreme environments by Discovery Channel, BBC, 60 Minutes and the History Channel. Dr. Bishop is a founding member and Board of Trustee member of the Society of Human Performance in Extreme Environments and Senior Editor for the HPEE Journal. She joined the Board of Advisors of the Astrosociology Research Institute (ARI) in June of 2009. Dr. Bishop has served as a grants reviewer for the Canadian Space Agency, Contributing Editor for Life Sciences for Habitation (formerly the Journal of Life Support and Biospheric Sciences) and Review Editor for the Journal of Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine. Through her extensive work in analog environments into the social psychological and behavioral issues pertinent to long duration space missions, she has strongly supported the emergence of the field of astrosociology as critical to the inclusion of the most essential element of human factors, the interpersonal human, at every level of consideration for successful transition to a space culture.

Eduardo Diaz, Ph.D.

Dr. Eduardo Diaz is an Expert Human Factors Scientist. He delivers individual and team assessments to identify successful characteristic variables that influence team performance and outcomes. While earning his Master's of Science in Psychology in 2010 he completed his literature review; Identifying Motivational and Self-regulatory Variables that Improve Team Performance for Candidates Selected for Isolated Extreme Environment Missions, which he then applied in his doctoral work; Identifying Functional Characteristics that Influence Team Outcomes, which was completed and published in 2015.

Currently, he supports technology innovation as the Director of Talent Acquisition at Alexan Consulting Enterprise Services, LLC (ACES) in Sacramento, CA. He is an effective organizational leader and key member of management who applies peer reviewed human behavior research findings into actionable measures. He is also the author of the Organizational Team Index (OTI) which supports organizational growth and talent management.

In addition to his passion, which supports human factors research and its applications, he volunteers his time supporting STEM education in the classroom, in online technology communities, and as a guest speaker at technology events.

Ken Duffy, Ph.D.

Dr. Duffy teaches theoretical and applied undergraduate sociology. He is an aspiring astrosociologist whose interest in astrosociology began in 2004 after reading Dr. Jim Pass’ Inaugural Essays. He was privileged to take the first Introduction to Astrosociology course offered by Dr. Pass. Ken has completed courses in the Master of Aeronautical Science, Space Studies degree program, offered by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in private practice in NC, Ken provides counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. As a counselor educator, he provides clinical supervision to master’s level student interns and to graduates who seek state licensure. He coordinates the professional counseling program of a major international university and teaches graduate courses in clinical counseling theory and practice.

As a counselor/therapist, Dr. Duffy sees many similarities and connections to his work as a sociologist/astrosociologist. He applies sociological perspectives to his work as a counselor by incorporating the concepts of structure, function, competition, conflict, symbolic interaction/meaning, and the sociological imagination as it relates to the biographical, historical and interpersonal aspects associated with the issues his clients bring to the counseling sessions.

Mia B. Frothingham, MScR

Mia Belle Frothingham is a PhD candidate at The University of Edinburgh in the School of Physics and Astronomy. She is investigating the astrobiology of simulated exoplanet reflectance spectra.

Mia has attained a Research Master’s from The University of Edinburgh, where she conducted research on astrobiology and exoplanet habitability, and achieved a mark of Distinction on her research dissertation. She is a Harvard University graduate, awarded the Dean’s List Certificate for Academic Achievement, with a Bachelor of Arts in Sciences with minors in biology and psychology.

As the published author of Our AstroLegacy, a read for discovering our mysterious place in the universe, she is an avid science communicator. She is the new host of the Tartan Tardigrade, interviewing astrobiologists from all over the world; and is also a scriptwriter and narrator for SpaceTV. She is a social media spokesperson for fun, educational space content on TikTok (@fellowearthian). Recently, she became the editor-in-chief for the Astrosociological Insights Forum and executive editor of the Journal of Astrosociology at the Astrosociology Research Institute. Mia’s status has been upgraded from the Board of Student Advisors to the regular Board of Advisors due to her new responsibilities. As such, she considers herself as an astrosociologist.

In her last semester at Harvard, she was a Teaching Assistant to Dr Gerhard Sonnert in his undergraduate Astrosociology course. She led high-engagement student activities that included simulations, debates, and group projects. After creating such a positive impact on her students, she received a Certificate of Distinction in Teaching from Harvard. She had the amazing opportunity to intern at three NASA centres: Johnson Space Center, Ames Research Center, and Headquarters, to lead incredibly diverse and influential STEM research projects. She also volunteers for several space science organisations, including SETI.

Alice Gorman, Ph.D.

Alice Gorman is an internationally recognized leader in the field of space archaeology. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at Flinders University, where she teaches the Archaeology of Modern Society. Her research focuses on the archaeology and heritage of space exploration, including space junk, planetary landing sites, off-earth mining, rocket launch pads, and antennas. She is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Advisory Council of the Space Industry Association of Australia, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Her writing has been selected four times for The Best Australian Science Writing anthology, and in 2016 and 2017, she was shortlisted for the Bragg Prize in Science Writing. She tweets as @drspacejunk and blogs at Space Age Archaeology.

Luke Idziak, M.S., B.A.

Luke Idziak received his B.A. in Historic Preservation (2006) from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA and subsequently performed conservation work and analysis upon a Saturn V rocket with a team at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. Idziak is currently working towards his M.Sc. degree at the International Space University in Strasbourg, France. His primary area of interest lies at the intersection of historic preservation, public policy, and the artifactual elements of human space exploration. Prior to beginning graduate studies in order to focus on the preservation of orbital and lunar cultural resources, he served as a researcher at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies in Arlington, Virginia where he was a member of the Center for Neuroscience Studies. His work there involved analysis and recommendations regarding human-machine and human-computer interfaces in the civil and military sectors as well as the current state of, and new technologies for, orbital debris mitigation. Mr. Idziak believes that there is value in securing material parts of the extant present in order that future generations should enjoy a continuity with, and an understanding of the early days of human space access and utilization; thus providing the raw material to see what has come before and to dream of what yet may still be.

Nathan Johnson, J.D.

Nathan Johnson received his J.D. from George Washington University Law School, and his LL.M. in Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law from University of Nebraska College of Law. He interned with the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation during SpaceX’s first licensed flights to the International Space Station; and for the U.S. Congress House Committee on Science, Space, & Technology during markup of the NASA Authorization Act and consideration of updates to the Commercial Space Launch Act. He is a member of the International Institute of Space Law, Co-Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Space Law Committee, and writes a weekly e-newsletter for law students and young professionals, under the name Astro, Esq.

Jeff Lee, M.Sc.

Jeff Lee is a theoretical physicist with the X-Physics Power and Propulsion Project at Icarus Interstellar. Jeff’s research specializations are: Quantum Black Holes, Relativistic Radiation & Thermodynamics, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), and Superbolides.

His astrosociological interests include: the Hazards from Near-Earth Objects, the Virtual Evolution of Interpersonal Relationships across Interplanetary and Interstellar Distances, and the Implications and Plausibility of First Contact Scenarios.

He is a reviewer for the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, member of the International Advisory Board of the new space education journal Axiom, and researcher in the Frontier Physics Group at The Institute for Interstellar Studies.

Jeff is a tenured faculty member of Crescent School in Toronto, Ontario, where he lectures on Physics and Earth and Space Science. Additionally, he retains research interests in the field of Instructional Strategies for Students with High Functioning Autism.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from York University in Toronto, Ontario, where he was awarded the Denise Hobbins Prize for Physics. As an undergraduate, Jeff worked in York University’s Laser Processing Laboratory, and studied Laser Materials Processing in Space (LaMPS) and the interaction of high-energy CO₂ laser radiation with water. Bow Shocks of Atmosphere-penetrating Asteroids, a research paper Jeff wrote as an undergraduate, contended that the minimum diameter asteroid required for a Mass Extinction Event is only the now-accepted 1 km, and not the then-accepted 2-3 km. 

For his Master of Science in Physics from the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, he investigated Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy. Concurrent with his studies in Physics, Jeff did graduate work in Applied Human Biomechanics.

Jeff is a certified H-2 hang glider pilot who also enjoys skydiving, snorkeling, weightlifting, martial arts, archery, target shooting, ham radio (VE3SPB) and electronics, computers, sociology, history, philosophy, and ichthyology.

Elizabeth Lockard, Ph.D.

Dr. Lockard received her B.A. in Philosophy from the University of New Hampshire, her M.Arch in Architecture from Yale University, and her Ph.D. in Futures Studies from the University of Hawaii. She has written several articles on space habitat design from a humanistic perspective. Her doctoral dissertation, Human Migration to Space: Alternative Technological Approaches for Long-term Adaptation to Extraterrestrial Environments and the Implications for Evolution, was selected and published by Springer for outstanding research in the field of Space Studies.

She has taught architecture at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture and is currently an assistant professor in the Environmental + Interior Design program at Chaminade University in Honolulu.

Kevin Maher

Kevin Maher received his B.A. in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He has worked as a webmaster for academic and commercial sites. Mr. Maher has used his web experience to assist ARI over the last year to redesign the ARI website. He is an aspiring scholar in multidisciplinary space studies and speaks Mandarin, French, and English. Mr. Maher currently lives in Shanghai.

Michael P. Oman-Reagan

Michael Paul Oman-Reagan is an anthropologist, artist, and activist. His research looks at how we imagine futures in space and how space science and exploration can help us imagine and build better futures on Earth, in our solar system, and beyond. He works with astronomers, astrobiologists, interstellar travel organizations, and the SETI community, and has published his research in the International Journal of Astrobiology, the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, Critical Quarterly, and Futures. To build new collaborative networks and do public outreach, Michael organizes panels on the anthropology of space and writes for The Conversation, Scientific American, and Cultural Anthropology online. As a columnist for the Wenner-Gren Foundation’s SAPIENS, he introduced readers to how the anthropology of outer space can help us think about the ethical issues of science, exploration, settlement, astrobiology, and SETI in terms of social justice.

Michael grew up stargazing and imagining futures, in awe of the Milky Way’s visible galactic plane under the dark skies of rural Eastern Oregon. After working as an artist and curator he completed his B.A. in Anthropology, Religion, and the Thomas Hunter Honors Program at Hunter College, CUNY. He was chosen as a Critical Languages Scholar by the U.S. Department of State and earned his M.A. in anthropology from Hunter College based on his ethnographic work with transnational Indonesian activists and the Occupy movement. He received the “Movers and Shakers Advocate” award from Library Journal for co-founding the Occupy Wall Street library. As an award recipient from the prestigious Vanier CGS and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Michael has conducted ethnographic and collaborative fieldwork with interdisciplinary space science communities in the US and Canada. He is currently a doctoral candidate in anthropology at Memorial University, and an affiliate with the University of Victoria in British Columbia. He also serves as a member of the advisory board for METI International, and has advised presidential campaigns on space policy.

Vadim Rygalov, Ph.D.

Dr. Rygalov received his B.S. and M.S. in 1974 and 1976, respectively, in biophysics from Krasnoyarsk State University & Institute of Biophysics, Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences.  He received his doctorate from the same university in 1987, majoring in physical-mathematical sciences, ecological biophysics & environmental design.  His thesis was entitled "Theoretical-Experimental Analysis of Sea Macro-Algae Growth."

Dr.  Rygalov currently serves as Associate Professor in the Space Studies Department, John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota.  His professional activities include life sciences/life support in space and human factors in extreme environments, the variety of performances under extreme environmental conditions (specifically free fall from stratosphere, closed ecological systems for life support (specifically for space applications), altered pressure greenhouses project (space greenhouses)-- investigating altered-pressure physical fundamentals and environmental engineering, and artificial climate design based on the interaction between inside-outside greenhouse environments and altered-pressure plant physiology (evapo-transpiration).

Dr. Rygalov is interested in investigation of principles of closure for ecological systems functioning and its applications for life support in different areas. His research is strongly based on mathematical approach to experimental data description and interpretation.

Gerhard Sonnert, Ph.D.

Dr. Gerhard Sonnert is a sociologist of science, working as a research associate in the Harvard College Observatory and as a lecturer in astronomy at Harvard University. He has taught an undergraduate course on astrosociology in the Harvard astronomy department since 2017, and he has also offered a condensed version of the course in the Harvard Summer School. He has a particular interest in the religious aspects of astrosociology and has published, with his teaching fellow Jais Brohinsky, a study titled "Religion and Extraterrestrials: An Astrosociological Perspective" (Glossolalia 8, no. 2 [2018]: 3-35). [It is also available in the ARI Virtual Library]. Other research interests include gender in science, science education, science policy, migration, and the history of science. He holds M.A. and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Erlangen, Germany, and an M.P.A. from Harvard University.

Kalea Texeira, M.S.

Kalea Texeira is a seasoned aviation leader and retired Air Force Officer with over 20 years of experience directing large-scale, multi-disciplinary aviation operations and personnel. Her career spans roles at the Federal Aviation Administration, the Air Force, and the Air National Guard, where she led strategic planning, logistics operations, and significant safety and compliance initiatives. Known for her expertise in performance optimization and transformative change, Kalea has made substantial contributions to the aviation industry, particularly in safety, compliance, and sustainability. Recently, she published an eBook titled "Investing in a Greener Sky: Sustainable Solutions for the Airline Industry," which explores innovations in green aircraft design and technology to minimize environmental impact.

Kalea's commitment to astrosociology's continued development is rooted in her extensive experience and understanding of the importance of strategic planning, compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her advocacy reflects her dedication to interdisciplinary innovation and advancing strategic initiatives that benefit society. By leveraging her leadership and expertise, Kalea aims to contribute significantly to astrosociology, ensuring that humanity's ventures into space are guided by principles that optimize safety, collaboration, and sustainable progress. Her advanced Health Care Administration and Aviation Maintenance Technology degrees further underscore her diverse expertise and commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Frank White, M.Phil

Frank White is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a Rhodes Scholar. He earned an M.Phil in Politics from Oxford, where he was a member of New College.

The fourth edition of Frank's best-known book, ration and Human Evolution, was published by Multiverse Publishing, a division of Multiverse Media LLC, this year. A film called Overview, based largely on his work, has had more than 8 million plays on Vimeo.

Frank is president of The Human Space Program, Inc., a nonprofit organization based on an idea for a global space project initially proposed in The Overview Effect. Frank teaches at Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, Boston University's Metropolitan College, and Kepler Space Institute.

For additional information: frankwhiteauthor.com.

Board of Student Advisors

Brooke M. Carruthers

Brooke Carruthers is a first-year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona. She plans to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and double minor in Astrobiology and Marine Science. She currently participates in origins of life research at the Kacar Research Group at the University of Arizona, where she works with reconstructing ancient genes and studying how bacterial physiology changes when its modern gene is replaced with the predicted ancestral version. Brooke works specifically with nitrogenase and Azotobacter vinelandii, where she analyzes the growth rate of Azotobacter cells recombineered with ancestral nitrogenase genes. She plans to continue this current trend to pursue astrobiology research as a career. She is intrigued by the broad and interdisciplinary nature of astrobiology, and by the implications of potential astrobiological discoveries on human culture and society. Brooke is passionate about science outreach and communication and plans to integrate such work with her future research endeavors. Her interests in psychology and love of science fiction also contribute to her support of astrosociology and ARI.

Holly Worrall

Holly Worrall is an internationally educated, BA Hons Global Studies graduate from the University of Essex UK. She was recognised on the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence in 2019 and was subsequently awarded a First Class degree in 2020. Holly was awarded the Interdisciplinary Studies Centre Dissertation Prize 2020 for her dissertation titled ‘Astronomical Sublime: How Representational Conventions in Contemporary Astrophotography Shape Views of the Cosmos,’ which received the highest mark in the history of the department.

Growing up in 5 countries (England, Switzerland, Germany, China, and Singapore), Holly was exposed to a variety of cultures and volunteering opportunities that allowed her to acquire a global mindset. In Singapore, she was awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma, taking English literature, psychology, and theatre at Higher Level, as well as mathematics, French, and design technology at Standard Level. The experience of living abroad drove her to pursue a degree that involved the study of global challenges, with a focus on international relations from an interdisciplinary perspective. Whilst completing her degree, Holly found that the theoretical concepts she was learning failed to take into account the varied sociological dimensions when explaining their applications. In an attempt to address this, she expanded her learning to include modules in psychology, art history, and sociology.

Over the course of brainstorming ideas for her dissertation, Holly came across an image of Earthrise presented in its original vertical position. After many hours of research, she concluded that the impact of such visual depictions of the cosmos had not been adequately explored in relation to our understanding of the universe and subsequently ourselves. During this time, Holly came across the discipline of astrosociology and felt as though participating in the exploration of outer space had been opened up to her.

Previously, Holly felt that to be a part of the industry it was necessary to have a STEM background. However, astrosociology provided a much-needed bridge between the arts and physical/natural sciences. By including all dimensions of what represents humanity into the research and exploration of the universe, Holly believes that only then can a comprehensive understanding of the cosmos can be gained, which is why she supports astrosociology.

Holly is currently undertaking a six-month remote internship with AdvancingX, a company that identifies human factors known to influence team success and decision making and applies this unique OTI scoring system to astronaut and military training. Her position of responsibility is as Account Executive for the ISS National Lab and UK Analogue Mission as well as a Career Astronaut Liaison, allowing her to participate in a number of high profile projects. Holly wishes to pursue a future career in astrosociology and is planning on undertaking an MSc in science communication in order to more effectively explore visual depictions of the universe. Therefore, with all this in mind, Holly has joined ARI's Board of Student Advisors in order to become more involved and assist the discipline's progress by inspiring others, particularly young women, to engage with the space industry.

[Note from the CEO: After informing her that she did not require permission, Holly replied: "Well, if that is the case, then I am very excited to now refer to myself as an astrosociologist!" Awesome!]