I’m the CoLab Studio Program Manager at the MSU Museum, where I design and produce public programs to address pressing global issues at the intersection of science + art + technology. I also founded and run Ignite Talks MSU, a forum for students at any level doing original research in any field to develop their research communication skills. In addition to training the next generation of science communicators at MSU, I have presented on science and society at venues like ComSciCon-MI 2024. Alongside this work, I help facilitate the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Artist Residency at the MSU Museum and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).
Before joining the MSU Museum in 2022, I was an NSF- and NASA-funded astronomer and educator. During my years as an active researcher, I gave over 30 invited colloquia, seminars, and conference talks, and authored or co-authored several papers published in scientific journals (ORCID: 0000-0002-5041-3079). Thanks to this data-heavy experience, I now have strong feelings about database management, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and quantitative program evaluation. My decade as an academic also informs my passion for research communication and interdisciplinary collaboration.
One of my favorite aspects of being a scientist is talking with non-scientists about astronomy, physics, and space science. I also love incorporating scientific concepts in art via hands-on workshops, performances, consulting on creative projects, and giving popular science talks to a variety of audiences.
In my free time, I love gardening, knitting, reading, and hanging out with my family.