Dean Eppler, a NASA expert on spacesuits for future planetary exploration, will present “Space suits and field geology: How can we do what we do when the outcrop isn’t on the Third Rock?” on Tuesday, March 31, at 4:10 p.m., in room 3024 in the Taylor Science Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and his master’s from the University of New Mexico, Eppler received a doctorate in geology from Arizona State University. There he conducted research on emplacement mechanisms of fragmental debris deposits. He also spent time in the Antarctic dry valleys setting up experiment stations to measure the long-term rate of weathering and erosion in cold desert environments.
Eppler has worked for NASA and NASA contractors for many years and has been instrumental in three major projects related to future exploration of other planets: spacesuit design for future planetary surface missions, mission planning for future planetary field work, and geologic training for NASA astronauts and engineers.