I have a life-long love of space.
I received my bachelor’s degree in Astronomy from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and it’s been invaluable in my career as a science communicator. My education equipped me with a strong foundation in astronomy fundamentals that I use to help others connect to the cosmos through writing, video, and events.
My strong suit is planetary science (i.e., solar system exploration), but I’m knowledgeable about a broad array of topics from exoplanets to star formation, to space missions, to astrobiology, and even UAP!
Astronomy & Skywatching
Example original illustration from our skywatching video series showing the scale of giant star Antares compared to our Sun.
Astronomy videos
Since 2019 I have written, produced, and voiced NASA’s monthly skywatching video series, “What’s Up?” In the series, we share easy-to-observe astronomy highlights in an upbeat, accessible 3- to 4-minute format. (The occasional comment that my work gives a viewer Jack Horkheimer vibes is probably the best compliment I can get.)
Slide from a casual astronomy presentation featuring my own photographs.
Astronomy talks
I’ve given in-person and online talks on space science and amateur astronomy, for general audiences and for seniors. I have a couple of prepared presentations on casual skywatching tips and things to see in the night sky, or I can develop a new talk to suit specific audiences or events.
An image of Pluto I took with a classmate using the CU-Boulder 24” telescope at Sommers-Bausch Observatory. This was well before the New Horizons mission wowed us with its views of the dwarf planet.
Casual Astronomy SME
Over time, I’ve become a go-to subject matter expert for skywatching at NASA, regularly fielding inquiries to JPL and NASA HQ from major media outlets such as the BBC World Service, CNN.com, and USA Today on topics like moon phases, meteor showers, and observing the planets. I produce reference and production-ready sky charts for use in NASA broadcasts. I’ve also consulted on movie scripts, interactive exhibits, and immersive university courses.
What I am, and what I’m not
I am not a professional astronomer. What I do have is a love of space science, a university degree in astronomy, and 20 years of experience as a science communicator. I’m an imaginative and knowledgeable space science storyteller, on a mission to share the wonder of the cosmos with others.