Dunn talked about her work with the third Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) program, which conducts simulated Mars missions in an isolated environment on Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. She continued as an investigator for the fourth mission and fifth missions.

"I tried to highlight some of the differences between Earth and Mars and how HI-SEAS simulates the living conditions of Mars to study health, psychology, and teamwork to prepare for the long 3-year journey to Mars," she explained.

The event focused on STEM careers, targeting 5-10-year-old girls, although parents and boys also attended. "I was happy to hear so many good questions that gave me confidence that the students understood my talk," said Dunn.

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Writer: DeEtte Starr, starrd@purdue.edu