Part 1: 11 Scientists Who Disappeared or Died Mysteriously (Part 1): NASA JPL, Plasma Research & Exoplanet Water
In this episode of the NVus Alien Podcast, Heather Woodward begins a three-part investigation into the mysterious deaths and disappearances of eleven scientists whose work spanned aerospace engineering, plasma physics, astronomy, chemistry, and biomedical research.
In this episode of the NVus Alien Podcast, Heather Woodward begins a three-part investigation into the mysterious deaths and disappearances of eleven scientists whose work spanned aerospace engineering, plasma physics, astronomy, chemistry, and biomedical research.
After spending more than three months researching publicly available information, Heather examines a series of cases that have fueled speculation across the internet while separating documented facts from unanswered questions. Rather than presenting conclusions, this series explores recurring themes, timelines, and scientific fields that appear throughout these cases.
Part One focuses on five individuals whose work intersected with organizations including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Caltech, MIT, and Novartis.
The episode begins with Michael David Hicks, a NASA researcher whose work focused on small bodies within our solar system, followed by JPL spectroscopy engineer Frank Maiwald, whose career helped advance planetary exploration. Heather also examines the death of MIT plasma physicist Dr. Nuno Loureiro, the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Novartis scientist Jason Thomas, and the fatal shooting of Caltech astronomer Carl Grillmair.
Along the way, the discussion expands beyond the individual cases to explore the history of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, Devil's Gate Dam, plasma physics, spectroscopy, exoplanet water research, and the recurring appearance of water-related science throughout several of these investigations.
Throughout the episode, Heather discusses why these cases have generated so much public interest, the importance of relying on documented information, and the questions that remain unanswered as the investigation continues into Parts Two and Three.
Whether you're interested in NASA, JPL, plasma physics, unsolved mysteries, scientific research, or the overlap between emerging technologies and unexplained patterns, this episode provides the foundation for a larger investigation into one of the most unusual collections of scientific deaths and disappearances in recent years.
What You'll Hear
• An introduction to the three-part investigation into eleven scientists
• Michael David Hicks and his work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Frank Maiwald's contributions to spectroscopy and planetary science
• Dr. Nuno Loureiro and plasma fusion research at MIT
• The disappearance and death of Novartis scientist Jason Thomas
• The shooting of Caltech astronomer Carl Grillmair
• The history of JPL and Caltech
• Devil's Gate Dam and its connection to local folklore
• Plasma physics, spectroscopy, and exoplanet water research
• Recurring themes involving water, aerospace research, and advanced science
• The difference between documented facts and public speculation
• What to expect in Parts Two and Three
Mentions in This Episode
Mystery surrounds death of ninth scientist tied to US secrets
Michael Hicks | Lunar and Planetary Laboratory & Department of Planetary Sciences
Michael David Hicks (1964 - 2023) | AAS Division for Planetary Sciences
Michael Hicks Obituary Jul 30, 2023 - Forest Lawn
Michael D. Hicks | ScienceDirect
Frank Maiwald Obituary (1964 - 2024) - Legacy Remembers
Frank Maiwald, PhD Applied Physics - Google Scholar
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) | NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory - Wikipedia
Exploring Devil's Gate, a portal to hell in Pasadena
Arroyo Seco (Los Angeles County) - Wikipedia
Nuno F. G. Loureiro » MIT Physics
California Institute of Technology - Wikipedia
Body Found in Lake Believed to Belong to Scientist Missing for 3 Months
Missing Scientist Found Dead After Massachusetts Lake Thaws
Space race comes for pharma: Why drug development is heading to orbit
Pharma goes to space
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