Public Speaking | Sarah M Milkovich

Public Speaking and Outreach

Dr. Sarah M. Milkovich is a science storyteller, sharing her enthusiasm for robotic space exploration and the stories of the people behind the robots.

“I have always loved learning about the stories of the past that the rocks around us can tell – ancient oceans, long-vanished glaciers, forgotten deserts. I love looking at the stars and seeing them as places far from home and far into the past. As a child, I dreamed of working at NASA and exploring space. Achieving that dream was filled with challenges and satisfaction.”

Sarah spent decades exploring the solar system with a variety of spacecraft, including Mars Phoenix Lander, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Curiosity Rover, the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover, and the Cassini spacecraft at Saturn. She specialized in bringing together international teams of scientists and engineers to collect the best possible science within spacecraft engineering restraints. She holds a B.S. in planetary science from Caltech, and a M.S. and Ph.D. from Brown University in planetary geology with studies of ice on Mars, and volcanoes on Mercury. Sarah is a frequent public speaker at astronomy clubs and fan conventions.

What Audiences Say

Presentation Topics

Recordings, Blogs, and Podcasts

Get in Touch

What Audiences Say

"...a crowd favorite and an excellent presenter of science information. She pulls in her audience with a mixture of humor, personal engagement, and knowledge at a level appropriate for the audience without leaving anyone feeling that they have been talked down to.

Her depth of knowledge on Mars overall, through the multiple missions she has been a part of, and planetary geology as a specialized interest, make her a wonderful addition to any group wanting an expert speaker on planetary science. "

rain glynn

DragonCon Space Track Director

Sarah's Speaking Topics

expand your horizons and engage with the universe

The Search for Life on Mars

For centuries, we have looked at the stars and wondered if we are alone. Through decades of Mars exploration, we are drawing ever-closer to an answer.

Boldly Go: STEM Careers in Space Exploration

There's no single path to

outer space. Information, inspiration, and advice for young explorers.

Curiosity and Perseverance:
Team-Based Problem Solving in Space Exploration

Mars may be very far away, but Mars exploration takes place right here on Earth through international teams of scientists and engineers working together.

Care and Feeding of a Space Explorer: How NASA Designs, Builds, and Operates Spacecraft

Sarah is one of the few who has worked on an orbiter, a touring spacecraft, a lander, and a rover, and who has seen a project go from ideas on paper to hardware on Mars.