Andy Hock

Expertise: Geophysics/Space Physics
Expedition Role: Physics of Environment
Affiliation: UCLA

Who I am and what I Do

My name is Andy Hock and I am a third-year graduate student en route to a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics from the University of California, Los Angeles Department of Earth and Space Sciences. I use geophysics to study aqueous environments on Earth and Mars in an effort to better understand their ability to support biological communities. In particular, I am interested in the habitability and longevity of heated lake environments on Mars and targeting astrobiology missions to the red planet. I was recently awarded a NASA Graduate Student fellowship, which provides support for my participation in the Licancabur expedition as well as my collaboration between UCLA and NASA Ames Research Center for my thesis research.

Career Journey

My career technically began in Ohio, where I grew up with my mother, father, two brothers, and more than enough dogs. I think my interest in science began with my parents’ fostering and a love of airplanes—I remember my dreams of learning how to fly and understanding more about aerodynamics. From there, my interest in the space program was an easy transition: as soon as I figured out that you could go faster and farther and actually study other worlds, I was hooked. I left for New England after High School in Worthington, Ohio with a passion for science and attended Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

How did you get to where you are?

I was initially torn between the study of medicine and astrophysics. After my first year, I did research on pediatric pneumonia at a hospital in Ohio. I had a wonderful experience, expanded my interest in biology, but learned that practicing medicine in a clinical setting wasn’t for me. In a further attempt to discover a fusion between astrophysics and the life sciences, I found NASA’s Astrobiology website, learned as much as I could and began working. Through the course of time and several research endeavors (Quasar Variability – Colgate, Convection and Lightning on Jupiter – Cornell, Underwater Ecology – University of New Hampshire, Asteroid Rotation - Colgate, Biogeography of Hydrothermal Vent Worms – Colgate) I graduated with a major in Astronomy-Physics and a minor in Biology, focusing on planetary science and molecular evolution.

Hobbies, Interests, etc.

Outside of the academic arena, I enjoy hiking and camping, sports, and traveling; I grew up hiking around the Midwest, and since then have taken my backcountry adventures across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I rowed competitively in college, and much of my spare time in Los Angeles is taken up coaching for one of the finest high school rowing programs in the nation at the Marina Aquatic Center. I also have a passion—as do many of you—for seeking out new experiences and new places. My travels abroad have taken me across Europe and through parts of Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. Next on the list, after an amazing adventure exploring the world’s highest lake in Chile, is Turkey or Thailand.

Parting words or advice

If I were to impart any advice upon students, it would be to remain in touch with your individual passions and follow wherever they lead. Additionally, whether your interest is in business, sports, science, or something out of this world, higher education will provide you the leverage to grab on to an amazing opportunity when the time comes. Experience the world around.