ABOUT

Astronomy provides one of the most compelling gateways to scientific learning. Indeed, all ages and abilities can engage in the Cosmos in some way. This educational clearinghouse is intended to centralize information on resources in Astronomy education, courses and workshops in Astronomy, and upcoming astronomical events. We hope that you will find this website helpful and look forward to your comments and questions (usnaec@gmail.com).

OUR TEAM

Christine Hirst-Bernhardt

University of Maryland

NASA Endeavor STEM Teacher

US-NAEC Team Lead

ABOUT ME:
I taught high-school Earth science and astronomy for 15 years in California and continue to teach astronomy for community college students, as well as for adult learners and educators. I came to the DC area in 2021 as an Albert Einstein Educator Fellow and am nearly done with my PhD in STEM Education at U of Maryland. I’m a life-long learner and am passionate about using Earth and space as a STEM gateway and on ramp to scientific literacy. I also love all things adventure and outdoors.

I AM INTERESTED IN:
Propelling astronomy education in early learning through authentic and equitable experiences and sensemaking, collaborations in astronomy education research, curriculum writing and professional development for educators. I am especially interested in equipping learners, particularly in marginalized communities, with hands on tools of space science to understand their communities and solve local problems.

I HAVE TO OFFER:
Curriculum development, content expertise, education policy and leadership, experience teaching at a variety of levels, developing and leading professional development for educators.

Caitlin Ahrens

NASA GSFC/University of Maryland (Maryland)

ABOUT ME:
I’m a postdoctoral planetary geologist working with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter science team and as a technical assessment expert for the Artemis missions. My main area of research involves remote sensing of icy surfaces and volatile interactions, from the Moon to the outer Solar System at Pluto. I am also a NASA Solar System Ambassador and work with multiple communities on science outreach and communication!

I AM INTERESTED IN:
New collaborations, creative ways to share resources, accessibility (especially to rural communities, minority groups, blind/deaf/HoH communities)

I HAVE TO OFFER:
Enthusiasm, curiosity, project management, resource sharing, keynote speaking.

Dr. Ahrens is a postdoctoral research scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. She received her B.S. in Physics, Astrophysics and Geology from West Virginia University in 2015, and a Ph.D. in Space and Planetary Science at the University of Arkansas in 2020. She has an outstanding record in public engagement and science communication -- through lectures, local radio, and international collaborations.

Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences (D.C. and Tennessee)

ABOUT ME:

Former middle school STEM and computer science teacher at Bok Academy in Lake Wales, Florida. Former Albert Einstein Fellow at NASA Headquarters.
Currently, Co-Principal Investigator, NASA MUREP -- Collaborative Interactive Data Science Academy and NASA MUREP -- Promoting Data Science with Robotics and NASA Geospatial and Extraterrestrial Big Data for Grades 9-12

I AM INTERESTED IN:
Geographic Information Systems, Earth Observation Data

I HAVE TO OFFER:
MSI-focused Executive Orders, Grants and Collaborative Agreements. NASA MUREP investments enhancing the research, academic and technology capabilities of MSIs.

David Lockett

Michelle Peterson

AstroCamp (California and New York)

Michelle Ferrara Peterson is the program director at AstroCamp, a residential science center located in Idyllwild, California. She began her career in research, which took her to interesting places such as Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, and Antarctica. Through her adventures, she discovered her passion for sharing science with others and began her love with informal science education. She first worked at AstroCamp for five years as an instructor. Her zeal for education brought her to OMSI, where she was able to hone her skills of blending informal and formal education. In 2010, she returned to AstroCamp. She feels that nothing can replace a clear night sky to spark the interest of students in astronomy. She is a member of the IPS and ASP. She is also lead for the RECON team at AstroCamp, which is one of 64 sites in this citizen science astronomy network. Michelle believes that the best part of science is that there is always more to discover.

William H. Waller

School of Science and Technology, Endicott College (Massachusetts)

Co-editor: The Galactic Inquirer

Producer: Doc Waller's Earth & Space Reports

US-NAEC Team Secretary

ABOUT ME:

I am a Ph.D. astronomer, science educator and communicator based in Rockport, Massachusetts. My research has focused on exploring the causes and consequences of starburst activity in nearby galaxies. I have worked with NASA on multiple space science research missions and educational outreach programs. I am also the author of several general-interest books on Astronomy. Having taught for many years at Tufts University, Endicott College, and Rockport High School, I continue to mentor high-school and college science students. I also host professional development programs for educators in the Earth & space sciences.

I AM INTERESTED IN:

For the past few years, I have been advocating for the inclusion of coordinated courses in the Earth & space Sciences as part of the standard high-school science curriculum. I would be very interested in supporting any professional development programs for educators that would advance this cause. I am also keen on involving science students as potential authors of general-interest articles for The Galactic Inquirer and presenters for Doc Waller's Earth & Space Reports. Any leads in these regards would be most welcome.

I OFFER:

My pertinent skills involve scientific research, education, and communication. Organization of scientific and educational investigations, courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, and other programs. Teaching and writing about scientific topics for diverse audiences. Editing technical and non-technical scientific pieces written by professionals, amateurs, and students.

Denise Wright

Horry County Schools (South Carolina)

Denise Wright is an Earth Science/STEM Educator from Horry County Schools in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She is the founder of the amateur astronomy club, Grand Strand Astronomers, in her community, advises a student astronomy club, and volunteers for NASA as a Solar System Ambassador. She has presented locally and at national conferences: including the International Society for Technology Education, 2020 NASA Playground, and NASA's Space Educators Explorers Conference in Houston, Texas. Denise was among the first educators in her state to pilot a historic 1926 Alvan Clark Refracting Telescope with the South Carolina State Museum. This historic telescope is now being utilized in solar/night sky classroom distance education programs across South Carolina. She additionally attended Adult Astronomy Camp at the University of Arizona, and the launches of NASA's Parker Solar Probe, Space X CRS18.