Steven Koeber, ASU, Arizona

Born and raised in New York City, Steven has not only traveled thousands of miles across the United States but also visited several countries around the world. Now he has his sights set on the Moon. His life's aspiration to become a planetary geologist was delineated while attending Paul Robeson High School and was further enriched at Pennsylvania State University where he earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Astrophysics and in Geology, with a minor in Astrobiology. According to Steven, his degrees are not simply wall decorations but instead they represent his understanding of the development of the Solar System and its implications on geological and biological processes on planetary bodies. His senior thesis at Penn State utilized both degrees through the formulation of a numerical model of the martian atmosphere. The model required an understanding of the vacillation in solar luminosity with time and the complex geological process that could produce methane on the martian surface 3.8 Ga (billion years ago). After graduating from Penn State, he moved to Arizona to become a military pilot and pursue a Masters degree in planetary geology from Arizona State University. Upon arrival, he enlisted into the Arizona Air National Guard as an avionics technician. In order to meet the Air Force pilot qualifications, he obtained a private pilots license. At Penn State, he studied the martian atmosphere, now he flies through the Earth's atmosphere.

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at ASU has provided him the educational foundation to catapult himself to the Moon. The interdisciplinary courses of astrophysics and geology, the NASA-funded resources available through the Space Photography Laboratory, the diversity of Arizona geology and the dedication of the ASU professors will assist Steven's prospective graduate terrestrial field research to provide a deeper understanding of proposed lunar landing sites. As a member of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) research team, he has the opportunity to utilize lunar images to identify terrestrial analogues for future geological field research. As an aspiring lunar geologist, he is an eyewitness to LRO data that will modify current theories and perceptions of the Moon. His experiences as a LROC team member will be the cornerstone for a successful career.

Some of Steven's favorites include: Batman, playing Madden 09, watching college football, studying planetary geology, and visiting his hometown of NYC.