AABC Personnel

Tyler Robinson, Interim Director

At the Arizona Astrobiology Center, our passion lies in unraveling the profound mysteries of our universe. Our center has an unwavering commitment to understanding the origin of life, the incredible story of our solar system’s birth, and the quest to find life elsewhere in the galaxy.

The University of Arizona, renowned for its pioneering spirit and cutting-edge research in space and biological sciences, provides a wealth of expertise to the AABC. Our university’s strengths lie in its collaborative culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich history of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

Beyond the Arizona Astrobiology Center acting as a hub for diverse scientific endeavors, one aspect that truly excites us is our dedication to nurturing the next generation of astrobiologists. We aim to inspire and train students, fostering a new era of scientific exploration and discovery.

Our center is engaged in a journey to explore the cosmos, connect with communities, and illuminate the wonders of life. Through these combined efforts, the Arizona Astrobiology Center serves as a beacon of knowledge. We invite all to join us on this remarkable quest.

Tyler’s hompage at LPL

Corey J. Knox, Deputy Director

Dr. Corey Knox serves as the Deputy Director of the Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC). As a social and educational researcher, program designer, and educator, she is dedicated to diversity, equity, and to inclusive science learning, teaching, and engagement. At AABC, her projects have the central goal of facilitating transdisciplinary dialogue across astrobiology, the space sciences, the humanities, the arts, and the social sciences.

Informed by her life experiences, identity, and academic journey as a first-generation college student, Dr. Knox develops educational programs and opportunities that broaden participation and reshape the landscape of science education for students, faculty, and the broader community. She is eager to collaborate with community members, science professionals, and students to create and expand opportunities that make scientific inquiry relevant and accessible to all.

cknox@arizona.edu

Dante Lauretta, Founding Director

Dante Lauretta is a Regents Professor of Planetary Science and Cosmochemistry at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. He is an expert in near-Earth asteroid formation and evolution.

He is the leader of NASA's OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return mission. OSIRIS-REx is the United States’ premier mission to visit one of the most Potentially Hazardous near-Earth Asteroids, survey it to assess its impact hazard and resource potential, understand its physical and chemical properties, and return a sample of this body to Earth for detailed scientific analysis. He also maintains an active research program in Cosmochemistry and Meteoritics.

lauretta@arizona.edu

Nathan Hadland, Research Programs Coordinator

Nathan Hadland is the Research Programs Coordinator of the Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC) and a planetary scientist studying microbial life in extreme environments. His research explores how life adapts to Earth’s most challenging conditions and what these insights reveal about the potential for life on Mars and other planetary bodies. Through integrated field, laboratory, and computational approaches, Nathan investigates the fundamental questions of where life can exist and how we might detect it beyond Earth.

At AABC, Nathan fosters collaboration across the center's research community and creates opportunities for the next generation of astrobiologists. His work reflects a commitment to both pursuing the scientific questions at the heart of astrobiology and building the community that advances our understanding of life in the universe.

nkhadland@arizona.edu

Lauren James, Education and Engagement Manager

Lauren James is the Education and Engagement Manager of the Arizona Astrobiology Center. Lauren has been involved in astronomy outreach in the local community since 2013, and has been with the AABC since 2024.

Her goal is to offer hands-on astrobiology learning opportunities to students throughout Southern Arizona, while also offering interactive experiences and lessons online for broader outreach. Lauren's focus is on K-12 outreach that includes and enhances the Arizona State Educational Standards.

laurenjames@arizona.edu