Cassandra Marion, PhD

Biography

A life-long explorer, Cassandra is a seasoned Earth and planetary scientist. She completed her PhD in geology and planetary science and exploration from the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration at Western University in Ontario. Her studies focus on meteorite impact craters, and lunar and Martian analogue environments in the Canadian Arctic. She has expertise in leading and managing field expeditions and had the privilege of assisting in the expedition and geology training of three astronauts, including Canadians Jeremy Hansen and Joshua Kutryk. Cassandra has also participated in and led a series of simulated robotic and human missions designed to learn, train, and prepare for real missions to the Moon and Mars.

Cassandra has more than a decade of experience developing and delivering science education and public outreach programming. In her current role as the science advisor for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, she is a science communicator, dedicated to sharing her passion and knowledge of Earth and planetary science, and improving science literacy with communities near and far in Canada.