Gloria Hovde

Who Am I and What Do I Do

I am Research Assistant for Dr. Nathalie Cabrol, Principal Science Lead for the Licancabur Team Expedition. I'm employed by the SETI Institute and feel very privileged to be part of this exciting project.

Expedition Role

My main responsibility is to manage the logistics for the trip. This means making sure everyone going up to Licancabur has transportation, a place to stay and enough food to eat. I work with our Chilean colleagues to ensure all of the science equipment arrives on time and support Dr. Cabrol and her team with whatever is needed.

What Made You Study Science?

I have always been fascinated by astronomy and the search for life on other planets. Most of my career though has been in aviation. Seven years ago I completed a major and very exciting, life change. After working 18 years as an airline mechanic for United Air Lines, I discovered my life's calling and enrolled in the Master of Science program in Space Studies at the University of North Dakota. This mid-life detour led to NASA and eventually to my current position working on the Licancabur Expedition team. I've supported other projects at NASA including a Telerobotics course over the Internet and the 1999 Marsokhod Rover Field Experiment in the Silverlake area near Baker, California.

Family, Hobbies, Interests, etc.

My partner Anne is a mortgage underwriter and learning to play the saxophone. We both love animals and have two dogs and four cats. I'm also part of a very close community of friends who have been like an extended family for over 30 years. I love to work out at the gym, jog, ride my bike and hike in scenic places. Music and movies are also a very important part of my life. The greatest joy however, is being with people I care about, sharing laughter, good food and conversation.

Parting Words for Students and Teachers

There is no single course in life, but many paths that connect in unforeseen, and amazing ways. Be open to what your path offers and appreciate all that life has given you.