Lecture for 13-18 yo

Connecting to the Cosmos.

A fundamental understanding of the sciences can serve as an entryway into a broad perspective of the functioning of our universe, the formation of planets, and the search for extraterrestrial life. In this talk, Dr. Graham Lau (also known online as “The Cosmobiologist”) will take us on a cosmic game of connect-the-dots, from cosmochemistry to geochemistry and biology, as well as how they all connect to our quest to understand the nature of life. Dr. Lau will highlight moments from his own career as well as other careers in astrobiology that are suitable to students of scientific disciplines. We'll also explore the importance of a variety of disciplines beyond science in cultivating a better understanding of our place in the cosmos. The talk will also feature some of Dr. Lau’s advice for how students can find research internships and projects that will advance their own careers.

About the speaker

Dr. Graham Lau is an astrobiologist and communicator of science. With an academic background spanning biology, chemistry, astrophysics, and geology, Dr. Lau is an expert on how living things effect the environment around them and how we search for alien life beyond the Earth. He's conducted research in the Canadian High Arctic, has done x-ray spectroscopy at three different particle accelerators around the world, and is the Host of the NASA-funded livestream show called “Ask an Astrobiologist”. Graham currently serves as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the non-profit Blue Marble Space, he's a Research Scientist with the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, and he is also the Director of Logistics for the University Rover Challenge (an undergraduate robotics competition focused on Mars rovers). Graham has given public talks to classrooms and student groups from around the world, has been interviewed on various podcasts, and is known for his inspirational views on our place in the cosmos. Dr. Lau also serves as a meditation instructor and public speaking coach.