Life and Death by Impact

What can a 66-million-year-old impact crater reveal about the past and future of life on Earth? Dr. Sean Gulick explores the science behind one of the most dramatic events in Earth’s history, the asteroid impact that ended the age of dinosaurs. From discovering a giant crater in Mexico to drilling deep into the Earth to link this impact to the mass extinction, Dr. Gulick unpacks the explosive chain of events that wiped out 75 percent of life on the planet. Current research is studying how meteorite impacts shape planets, create new ecosystems, and may even help life begin on Earth and on other worlds.

Arrive early and explore Cool Activities from 5:30 - 6:40! Local organizations will share exciting hands-on activities related to the talk! List of activities coming soon!

Sean is Co-Director of the Center for Planetary Systems Habitability and a Research Professor at The University of Texas at Austin. He holds a PhD from Lehigh University and is an expert in tectonic processes, climate interactions, and planetary science. His research spans nearly every continent on Earth as well as the Moon and Mars, where he studies natural hazards such as earthquakes and glaciers, as well as events like asteroid impacts. Sean’s work helps uncover how extreme events shape Earth’s past and inform the search for life beyond our planet.

About Hot Science - Cool Talks

provides a front-row seat to world-class research. Presented by the Environmental Science Institute (ESI) this nationally recognized series allows leading researchers from The University of Texas and other prominent universities to share their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math with the general public. Events are held six times a year.

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Info: We ask that everyone is checked in and seated in the auditorium by 6:50 p.m. or you will lose your seat to those on the waitlist. Check-in is available starting at 5:30 p.m. or no later than 6:40 p.m. in the main hallway in Welch where Cool Activities will take place. Look for the ORANGE check-in tables & bring your Eventbrite e-ticket.

Info: Explore the evening’s topic through hands-on activities and information from 5:30 – 6:40 p.m. in the hallways of Welch (2nd floor). Closer to the event date, we will share a list of organizations participating in Cool Activities.

Info: The talk starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Welch Auditorium (WEL 2.224) and will include a Q&A session with the speaker. We expect the talk will end by 8:15 p.m. though ending times may vary depending on the speaker.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Welch Hall (WEL) Auditorium (WEL 2.224) , East 24th Street, Austin, TX, USA, United States