Reflections of a SETI Scientist

A fascinating look at science, astronomy and exploration, Dr. Laurance R. Doyle, Principal Investigator at the world-renowned SETI Institute, shares his insights and experiences in Reflections of a SETI Scientist, an engaging, approachable series of articles that covers everything under the Sun – and the stars! From understanding human and animal communication to intriguing discussions with men who walked on the Moon. Laurance takes you around the world and the universe with a variety of captivating tales. Join him as he explores ancient astronomy sites in Africa and deciphers whale communications in Alaska. Feel the excitement of Laurance's "Eureka!" moments as he discovers a new moon around the planet Uranus and unveils the mysteries of Saturn's rings. From the Canary Islands to the outermost reaches of the galaxy, from bee hives to 221B Baker Street, Reflections of a SETI Scientist is guaranteed to enlighten, educate and entertain!

About the Author
Dr. Laurance R. Doyle, a Principal Investigator at the SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) in Mountain View, CA, became interested in astronomy at age 6, when his Dad gave him a map of the Solar System with stars in the background, and told him the stars were other people’s suns.

After receiving his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Astronomy at San Diego State University, Laurance earned his Ph.D. in Physics in 1987 at Universität Heidelberg. Laurance has authored over 100 scientific journal articles on topics including extrasolar planet detection, animal communications and ancient African astronomy.

Laurance provided expert testimony to the United States Congress' Committee on Space, Science and Technology in 2013 on "Exoplanet Discoveries: Have We Found Other Earths?" He has also lectured as a Visiting Professor at Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, the University of California, Santa Cruz and the University of Paris' Observatoire de Meudon in France on a variety of topics, including Bioastronomy, Quantum Physics and Extrasolar Planets.

Laurance has appeared on many educational science programs, including "Through the Wormhole" with Morgan Freeman, "The Universe" with Michio Kaku and "Cosmic Odyssey" with William Shatner. He also coauthored and appeared on Richard Segay’s “Humpback Whales and the Search for Alien Intelligence," which won the 2021 Webby Award for Science and Education.

A triplet, Laurance currently resides in northern California, where he enjoys reading, writing and expanding his vast and diverse library. He lives by the motto – “The Universe shows you what you’re supposed to be doing by making you love it!”