August 20, 2024, Mountain View, CA -The SETI Institute announced that Dr. Nadia Drake is joining the SETI Institute's Board of Directors as an observer. The SETI Institute's board guides its strategic direction, finances, and various committees. As a journalist, Drake will be an active, non-voting member, bringing her broad expertise to the team.

"I am thrilled by this appointment to the SETI Institute's board, which comes at an exciting time for the SETI Institute and for the search for life beyond Earth," said Drake. "For most of my career as a science journalist, I've covered astrobiology and watched as the field has evolved and gained momentum over the last couple of decades. Dad's work ignited the scientific search for extraterrestrial life more than 60 years ago, and it's an honor to represent my family and to continue his journey."

Drake is an award-winning science journalist and editor who has written about space and the search for life beyond Earth. She has worked with National Geographic, Quanta Magazine, and other major publications, including Nature, The New York Times, Science News, and Scientific American. Drake is a sought-after expert in science communication and has served on committees for the National Academies, NASA, and others. She holds a PhD in genetics from Cornell University and a graduate certificate in science communication from UCSC.

"Nadia Drake has carved out an exceptional career for herself as a world-class science journalist and thus brings highly relevant new talent, skills and perspectives to our Board of Directors," said Bill Diamond, SETI Institute CEO. "As the daughter of our first Board Chair and renowned astronomer, Frank Drake, she also embodies his legacy and continues the inseparable link between the Drake family and the SETI Institute."

The SETI Institute, founded in 1984, is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring and understanding life and intelligence in the universe. It works closely with industry, academic, and government partners, including NASA and the National Science Foundation, to conduct multidisciplinary research.

The SETI Institute's board will next meet in October 2024.

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About the SETI Institute

Founded in 1984, the SETI Institute is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary research and education organization whose mission is to lead humanity's quest to understand the origins and prevalence of life and intelligence in the Universe and to share that knowledge with the world. Our research encompasses the physical and biological sciences and leverages expertise in data analytics, machine learning and advanced signal detection technologies. The SETI Institute is a distinguished research partner for industry, academia and government agencies, including NASA and NSF.

Contact information
Rebecca McDonald
Director of Communications
SETI Institute
[email protected]