Following
Astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, science communicator, author, and professor. Known for research on the possibility of extraterrestrial life, assembly of the Pioneer plaque and the Voyager Golden Record, and advocating for the greenhouse effect hypothesis on Venus.
Essayist, mathematical statistician, former option trader, risk analyst, and aphorist. Work concerns problems of randomness, probability, and uncertainty.
Grew up in East Hampton, New York. Experienced poor health as a child, sparking an interest in self-improvement. Graduated from Princeton University with a B.A. in East Asian studies. Worked in sales at a data storage company after graduation.