Gordon Osinski, often known as “Dr. Rock,” is a planetary geologist and professor at Western University in Canada, where he specializes in impact cratering — the study of how meteorites shape planetary surfaces. His research spans Earth, the Moon, and Mars, and he is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on the geological signatures left behind by cosmic collisions. His work blends field science, laboratory analysis, and planetary exploration, making him a central figure in understanding how impacts influence planetary evolution.

Beyond academia, Osinski plays a major role in space exploration and astronaut training. He has worked closely with the Canadian Space Agency and NASA, contributing to mission planning and helping prepare astronauts for geological fieldwork on the Moon and Mars. His leadership extends to major international projects, including lunar sample return initiatives and analog missions in extreme environments on Earth that simulate extraterrestrial conditions. His ability to translate complex geology into operational knowledge makes him a key bridge between science and spaceflight.

Osinski is also a public communicator and author, known for bringing planetary science to broader audiences through books, documentaries, and public talks. His fieldwork has taken him to some of the most remote impact structures on Earth, and his findings have shaped how scientists interpret planetary surfaces across the solar system. With a career that merges exploration, research, and education, he stands as one of Canada’s most influential voices in planetary geology and the future of human space exploration.