Jonathan Durkin
2025 LPSC SciAct affiliate
Affiliate bio
Science outreach is really about connecting people with possibilities, and that's something I'm passionate about being part of.
Jonathan Durkin
PhD Candidate
Arizona State University
Johnny Durkin is a graduate researcher at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration, pursuing a Master's in Exploration Systems Design with a concentration in Systems Engineering. His work spans spacecraft development and lunar infrastructure research through ASU's Interplanetary Initiative. As Systems Engineer for the Squidsat project in the Interplanetary Lab, he manages spacecraft integration for NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative. He also contributes to the Lunar Minimum Viable Infrastructure project, developing technical specifications for sustainable lunar operations. His foundation includes a BS in Astrobiology and NASA Space Grant research studying potential biosignatures in extreme environments. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, he leads astronomy courses covering the solar system, galaxies, and cosmos, sharing his expertise with over 400 undergraduate students. Working across ASU's innovative facilities, including the skunkworks-style Luminosity Lab, he bridges technical space systems development with creative problem-solving. His entrepreneurial background includes founding technology startups and developing space-focused business concepts through commercial space accelerator programs.