Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. This includes life here on Earth, the possibility of Earth-originating life colonizing space, and the possibility of life originating elsewhere. While much of astrobiology is at the intersections of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology, it is a very diverse field, with contributions from natural and social sciences, engineering, and the humanities. For more about astrobiology, see the NASA Astrobiology site.
Together with Shawn Domagal-Goldman and Jacob Haqq-Misra, I have an ongoing project on connections between astrobiology and contemporary societal issues. The project aims to encourage "very big picture" thinking for the decisions we face today and to help us understand how we fit into the grander scheme of things. The project involves original academic research, teaching, and public scholarship.
My academic publications on astrobiology thus far are: "Is humanity doomed? Insights from astrobiology", "Universalist ethics in extraterrestrial encounter", a review of the film "District 9", "Cost-benefit analysis of space exploration: Some ethical considerations", and "The 'Sustainability Solution' to the Fermi Paradox", written with Jacob Haqq-Misra.
A related project is Blue Marble Space, a non-profit organization conducting research and outreach oriented towards international unity in space exploration.
Created 8 Mar 2010 * Updated 4 Jun 2010