With NASA for over 20 years, Dr. James Garvin now serves as the agency's chief scientist. His previous post with NASA was as lead scientist for Mars exploration. Garvin has a Ph.D. from Brown University, and has been enamored with the natural world since childhood. His formative interests would translate into a fascination with the final frontier — space.

Garvin has made significant contributions to the Mars robotic exploration efforts, including the launch of the Mars Global Surveyor, the Mars Odyssey and the twin Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. He has been recognized and awarded for his strong leadership by NASA and by the academic world.