Dorothy is a Mars scientist working at Johnson Space Center, and she is currently part of the science team that guides the Curiosity Rover that landed on Mars in 2012.  She previously was employed as petroleum exploration geologist, traveling to more than 30 countries, including Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. 

But her love of African wildlife and especially elephants began on a safari to Kenya in the early 90's.  There she and her husband were able to observe groups of elephants for long periods of time.  The heartwarming interaction among the females, the young ones, the young males, and the bulls was a joy to witness.