Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Brent Garry

photo of Brent Garry

Brent Garry is a geologist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center where he studies lava flows and volcanoes on Earth and compares them to similar features on the Moon and Mars. He earned degrees in geology from The College of William and Mary (B.S.), the University of Kentucky (M.S.), and the University at Buffalo (Ph.D.). He then held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum from 2006-2010, after which he worked at the Planetary Science Institute for two years, and then moved to NASA. From 2008-2011, as a member of NASA’s Desert RATS team, Brent lived in prototype space vehicles for up to two weeks at a time during simulated missions to the lunar surface and asteroids. Brent has conducted fieldwork in Iceland, Hawaii, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, and Belize; served as editor for the GSA special volume Analogs for Planetary Exploration; and was selected as a Participating Scientist on NASA’s Dawn and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) missions. Outside the office, Brent enjoys running and scuba diving.

What Our Travelers Say

Added great perspective on New Zealand origins and geography. Wonderful addition to the trip. Enjoyed his lectures very much.

- Henry G., Journey through New Zealand

Such a great expert on so many levels. Enjoyed him immensely!

- Donna B., Galapagos Islands Cruise

Brent was the best...he took the trip to a whole different level.

- Martha R., Adventure in Iceland

Upcoming Tours

Splendors of Australia and New Zealand

22 days | Starting at: $12,384
Feb 12, 2025 - Mar 5, 2025
Nov 14, 2025 - Dec 5, 2025
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Journey Through New Zealand

16 days | Starting at: $9,574
Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
Oct 9, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025

From Auckland to Queenstown
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Patagonian Explorer

15-16 days | Starting at: $12,682
Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026

Argentina and Chile by Land and Sea Featuring a Four-night Cruise
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Machu Picchu and the Galápagos

16 days | Starting at: $9,795
Apr 18, 2026 - May 3, 2026
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Alaska's Natural Wonders: Denali to Kenai Fjords

11 days | Starting at: $8,797
Jul 23, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
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Treasures of the Alps: Swiss Trains and Italy's Lake District

14 days | Starting at: $8,392
Aug 6, 2026 - Aug 19, 2026
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Adventure in Iceland

11 days | Starting at: $8,192
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026
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