Bringing Astronomy to You

My teaching philosophy is fairly simple: Try to meet learners where they are, without judgement.

I didn’t start studying astronomy until I already had a degree in political science and a law degree. For me, being a beginning STEM student was not so long ago. It involves a language and way of thinking that - despite being useful in everyday life - is not so common. My goal is always to translate this new language where necessary, push students to problem-solve, and become OK with not knowing everything. After all, how boring life would be if there was nothing left to learn!

Below are brief descriptions of my astronomy outreach experience.

  • Lectures

    I offer engaging adult lectures on topics ranging from planets in the Solar System, to the evolution of galaxies, to the importance of preserving dark skies.

  • Hands-on Labs

    I believe hands-on activities are the best way to learn. My hands-on labs cover a variety of astrophysical topics and help bring even the most cutting edge research down to Earth.

  • Planetarium Shows

    Throughout graduate school and now through my wok with Dudley at Siena, I have access to an inflatable portable planetarium. This 16 ft diameter dome can be brought to schools and libraries where I use it to teach about stars and constellations.

  • Star Parties/Observing Nights

    Star parties are informal get togethers where astronomers, both amateur and professional, set up telescopes so the public can observe the night sky. I have been participating in star parties since I was a member of an amateur astronomers group in Topeka, KS, and I have continued organizing an hosting such parties for public observing.

  • Social Media

    I have only just recently started dipping my toes into scicomm via social media platforms like TikTok. I am mostly responsible for the science content on Dudley at Siena’s TikTok page, and I maintain my own personal account (where my opinions are my own), as well.

  • Science on Tap

    In affiliation with CapSci, an Albany-area, volunteer-run nonprofit focusing on science outreach, I organize the local Science on Tap. Follow CapSci on Eventbrite for information on upcoming talks.