He's probably one of the most outstanding scientists this campus has seen in decades. He's one we did not want to lose.

It takes time to download that data and have scientists pore over it. It can take days to weeks and even longer.

Ultimately, it will take sample return of any putative 'fossils' to convince the scientists of the world. But we can tell a lot in situ [on-the-spot] before such a time,

Scientists do their best work when they are in their early years. Writers' skills don't necessarily decay; if they can keep their interests and hopes alive (like Jack Williamson), their experience allows them greater depths to explore.

[U.S. engineers and scientists haven't helped prepare for an era of declining oil because] we're so focused on health and national security, ... We've neglected getting young people involved in how to keep our sewage plants and water supply going and fix our transportation system. Put out bids for subway cars, and all the bids come from Europe. I know -- my wife tells me this is boring stuff. But it's essential.

I am not a scientist. I am, rather, an impresario of scientists.