Lewis Dartnell

Lewis Ryan Dartnell (born November 21, 1980)[1] is an author, presenter and astrobiology research fellow at the Space Research Centre, University of Leicester. He is best known to the public as a popular science writer, especially for The Knowledge: How To Rebuild Our World From Scratch.[2]

Early life and education

Dartnell was born in the UK, but spent much of his childhood years abroad, as his father was posted overseas while working as an engineer for British Airways.[2] He attended Charterhouse School in Surrey from 1994-99.[3] Dartnell was awarded a first class Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Oxford. Dartnell completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Astrobiology at University College London. His thesis, Computer modeling and experimental work on the astrobiological implications of the Martian subsurface ionising radiation environment,[4] was subsequently reprinted under the title of Martian Death Rays.[5]

Career

Research

Dartnell is a UK Space Agency research fellow[6] at the University of Leicester, where his research focuses on the study of extremophile microbes and their signs of past or present life, including the use of Raman spectroscopy to detect micro-organisms even after they have been damaged by exposure to very high levels of radiation.[7]

Writing

Dartnell has written science articles for popular magazines including New Scientist,[8] and was runner up for The Daily Telegraph Science Writer’s Award in 2004.[9] Dartnell has also written several books, including Life in the Universe,[10] an introductory book to the new scientific field of astrobiology, and The Knowledge: How To Rebuild Our World From Scratch.[11]

Broadcasting

Dartnell has appeared in several science programmes for BBC radio and television, including guest appearances on The Sky at Night[12] and StarGazing Live.[13] Dartnell also presented at TED in March 2015 during Session 10: Building from Scratch.[7]

Personal life

Dartnell is married to Vicky, a medical doctor, and lives in the Stoke Newington area of London.[2]

References

External links

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