Dr. Steve Kortenkamp

Co-Principal Investigator

Dr. Steve Kortenkamp is a professional astronomer who studies small solar system objects like asteroids, comets, and moons.  His research also involves the formation of planets, both in our solar system and around other stars.  Kortenkamp teaches planetary science at the University of Arizona and in 2011 won the prestigious "Innovations in Teaching" award from the College of Science.   He conducts research within his classes aimed at improving science education for non-science majors at the university.  Kortenkamp has written more than 24 children's books on topics related to space.  His favorite book is his first one, "Why isn't Pluto a Planet?"