Marietta College welcomes Dr. Jonathan Clark, a renowned neurologist and space medicine expert, to deliver the Fall 2025 Ellis L and Jennie M. Krause Lecture in Science. His presentation, “Enhancing Health, Safety, and Resilience in Space and Beyond,” will be held Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Alma McDonough Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.
In 2003 the NASA Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon its return to earth, killing all seven of the astronauts on board, including Dr. Laurel Clark. Laurel’s husband, Jonathan, was a NASA flight surgeon, and he later participated in the investigation of the disaster. In addition to being a tragic personal loss, that event dramatically shaped the rest of Jonathan Clark’s professional career.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Clark has combined his academic interests, his military experience, and his biomedical prowess to examine a wide range of topics. His work expands beyond space and aeronautical explorations. In his Krause Science Lecture, Clark will discuss the ways that issues of health, safety, and resilience inform a broad spectrum of exploration. From high altitude free fall to Mars missions, to interpersonal and organizational leadership, Clark will consider the ways the exploration is intricately tied to the human condition and the lessons we can all learn about resilience and flourishing.