Dr. Margaret Race

Spend Earth Day April 22 learning about The Danger of Mingling Microbes!

Knowing that microbes can survive the harsh environment of space, ecologist Margaret Race stresses the importance of planetary protection. Her work focuses on the scientific, technical, legal and societal issues of ensuring that missions to Mars and other solar systems do not either unintentionally take terrestrial microbes along or return any microbes to Earth. Unintentionally taking microbes along on a mission could complicate test results in knowing if the microbes are actually from Mars or brought along from Earth.

Dr. Race will give a non-technical, illustrated behind-the-scenes view of “environmental management” planning for solar system missions, and explain the role of the Outer Space Treaty and other related national and international policies. She will also discuss the varied societal issues likely to arise from discoveries about life beyond the Earth.

Dr. Margaret Race is an ecologist at the SETI Institute who works with NASA and the international space community to develop, refine, and apply planetary protection policies to missions to the planets. She has also worked at both the Environmental Protection Agency and KQED Television.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to locate parking.
Parking lots 1, 7 and 8 provide stair and no-stair access to the Smithwick Theater.

Smithwick Theater, Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills

Wednesday, April 22
7:00 pm

Admission: Free
Parking: $2.00