Kevin Nolan, the author of the recently launched book "Mars, A Cosmic Stepping Stone", represents the Planetary Society in Ireland. Kevin is a scientist and science communicator from Ireland. He holds honours B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in physics and astronomy and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. under Dr. Niall Smith of the Cork Institute of Technology, developing a software based image analysis system for the European Space Agency INTEGRAL space observatory.