Dr. Kring received his Ph.D. in Earth and planetary sciences from Harvard University. He leads the Center for Lunar Science and Exploration in Houston, TX. He is particularly interested in the interfaces between science, exploration, and operations, to ensure our nation’s return to the Moon maximizes productivity while enhancing safety and efficiencies during robotic and crew operations. In that context, he has trained astronauts how to work with planetary surfaces (e.g., the Moon, Mars, and asteroids) affected by impact cratering and volcanic processes. He has also developed mission concepts for human-assisted lunar sample return missions and human exploration of the lunar surface.