Brian Shiro
Graduated: 2010
Brian Shiro works at the intersection of science and operations. He brings sound scientific judgment to natural hazard monitoring and studies how geophysical exploration best practices on earth can be adapted for use on other worlds. Brian currently serves as Supervisory Geophysicist at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory after having spent a decade with NOAA. He holds a B.A. with majors in Integrated Science, Geology, and Physics from Northwestern University, a M.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis, and a M.S. in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota. He is also a graduate of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program and a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he manages crew surface exploration activities for NASA’s Hawaii Space Exploration Analog & Simulation (HI-SEAS) program. As an avid explorer, Brian has experience conducting science expeditions to study subsurface water, ice, caves, and earthquakes in the Arctic, Antarctic, and remote Pacific regions. He has also spent over 60 days aboard research vessels mapping the seafloor and served on two simulated Mars mission crews in Canada and Utah. Brian was a “Highly Qualified” NASA astronaut candidate applicant in 2008 and 2012. He co-founded the non-profit organization Astronauts for Hire (A4H) to provide professional development, networking, and mission development opportunities for aspiring astronauts. Through A4H, he has tested a wearable biometric monitoring device in microgravity and completed multiple astronaut and survival training programs. In his spare time, Brian also enjoys ultra-marathon distance running, obstacle course racing, cycling, hiking, SCUBA diving, aviation, and leading his kids’ scout troop. He is a strong advocate of science education and outreach in his local community and beyond.