[In Depth] Earth science a ‘no-brainer’ for NASA's science chief
Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 13:52
in Paleontology & Archaeology
In October 2016, Thomas Zurbuchen took the reins of NASA's science directorate. A heliophysicist from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Zurbuchen grew up in a tiny Swiss village with more cows than people. Raised in a deeply religious family, he grew comfortable asking the hard questions: "Where am I from?" and "What's my purpose?" He could soon face more hard questions from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is skeptical about the value of climate change research, much of it supported by NASA. After nearly 6 months on the job, Zurbuchen answers questions on the value of earth science, the role of risk, and how he talks to members of a polarized electorate. Author: Paul Voosen