SETI Institute
Mika McKinnon is an accomplished geophysicist and science communicator with extensive experience in academia, consulting, and media. At the SETI Institute, Mika serves as a Co-Investigator and Public Engagement Lead for Project ESPRESSO, focusing on adapting landslide runout models for extraterrestrial bodies to enhance mission safety and analysis. As a freelance entertainment science consultant, contributions to notable productions include Stargate: Atlantis and Star Trek: Discovery. Mika's journalism work spans publications such as BBC World and Wired. Additionally, roles at the University of British Columbia as an Adjunct Professor and a Research Analyst at FEMA emphasize expertise in geoscience and public communication. Academic credentials include an MSc in Geophysics from The University of British Columbia and a BA in Physics from UC Santa Barbara.
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SETI Institute
The SETI Institute is a non-profit research organization, located in the Silicon Valley close to the NASA Ames Research Center. Our mission is to lead humanity's quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe and share that knowledge with the world. The SETI Institute is committed to respecting values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) and creating and maintaining a positive and nurturing work environment that promotes mutual respect, trust, fairness, and objectivity. We strive to provide professional and personal growth to every individual regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. As a group of talented scientists, engineers, educators, and professionals, it is our belief that a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace is critical to accomplishing the Institute’s mission, and ensuring that we follow our values and principles.