Matthew Funke has had a deep interest in space exploration since early childhood, when his parents presented him with a kids' science magazine. That magazine featured a page on Mars that suddenly exposed him to the awe and wonder of space. Not only was Mars "real" (and not the imaginative product of creative fiction writers), but Mars was a "place," a mysterious place to be explored and investigated. This launched a lifelong hunger to learn and share all about humanity's efforts to reach into space.|Matt's opportunities to share his passion with children and adults in speaking venues have been invigorating and fulfilling. As a Solar System Ambassador, Matt seeks to increase his opportunities to learn from those intimately involved with our latest exploration efforts, and also to share that information much more frequently with others.