Q & A with Dr. Paul Jaffe

1. City of residence: Suburbs of Washington, DC

2. Place of birth: Suburbs of Washington, DC

3. Can you please give us a brief overview of the research you’re currently working on?

Technology for power beaming and solar power satellites.
For more info, check out — Dr. Jaffe’s TedX talk “Common Ground From Space“; Solar Power When It’s Raining: NRL Builds Space Satellite Module to Try; Researchers transmit energy with laser in ‘historic’ power-beaming demonstration

4. What is the most challenging aspect of the work you’re doing?

Getting the word out about the potential of the technology!

5. What is the best part of the work you’re doing? Why?

Seeing pieces come together that show an exciting path forward – the idea that what we’re creating could have a major positive impact on the country and the world.

6. If you could share just one piece of wisdom with the world, what would it be?

Try really hard to truly understand the perspectives of others – you may not agree with them, but you are likely to be better equipped to make a positive contribution.

7. What book(s) are you currently reading?

Recently finished “Loonshots” by Safi Bahcall

8. Quote you (try to) live by?

“It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.” – Mahatma Gandhi

9. Using one word, how would you describe yourself?

Curious

10. What is one random fact that most people don’t know about you?

I am not afraid to make bizarre mixes of flavors in the kitchen