Astrobiologist and science-fiction writer Seven Rasmussen teaches at Tacoma Community College in Washington state. She delves into the realms of golden hive minds, dreaming androids, and interstellar alien worlds in her writing, exploring the human experience through the lens of the unfamiliar and strange. Rasmussen’s work often intersects with her role as an astrobiologist, touching on topics related to space and the distant future.
Her debut non-fiction book, titled “Life in Seven Numbers: The Drake Equation Revealed,” is set to be released in June 2025. This book delves into the seven variables of the Drake Equation, which aims to estimate the number of intelligent, communicating civilizations in our galaxy. Rasmussen recently spoke to Nature about her experience writing science fiction as a scientist, her role as a community college professor, and the significance of storytelling in the field of science.
Rasmussen embarked on her writing journey in 2018 while pursuing her PhD at the University of Notre Dame. Inspired by moments of existential dread, she began crafting stories that explore futuristic technology, alien life, robots, and dystopian worlds. While her writing style is influenced by authors like Ray Bradbury, Dan Simmons, and Seth Dickinson, Rasmussen draws thematic inspiration from N. K. Jemisin, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Becky Chambers, who offer critiques of capitalist structures in their work.
Despite her background in astrophysics and research on exoplanets, Rasmussen acknowledges that storytelling is at the heart of good fiction. While astrophysics informs her world-building and plot development, it is the narrative and human element that truly engage readers. Rasmussen’s non-fiction book on the Drake Equation emerged from a satirical essay she penned, highlighting the need for an updated exploration of this astronomical concept in light of recent discoveries.
In 2023, Rasmussen adopted the name Seven, a nod to the significance of the number across cultures and its connection to the Drake Equation. Her transition to teaching at Tacoma Community College was driven by a desire to make a tangible impact on the world, particularly in communicating the urgency of climate change. Through her role as a physics instructor, Rasmussen aims to instill a sense of scientific literacy and critical thinking in her students.
For scientists looking to communicate their work effectively, Rasmussen emphasizes the power of storytelling. By weaving personal narratives and engaging anecdotes into scientific discourse, researchers can capture the attention of a broader audience. Rasmussen’s own experiences, from witnessing the devastation of climate disasters to reevaluating her own contributions to the planet, highlight the importance of connecting science with human stories to drive meaningful change.
