Project Highlights
My journey at the Space Telescope Science Institute has been marked by a deep commitment to making complex scientific discoveries accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Through a variety of projects, I have demonstrated my ability to lead, innovate, and connect with communities in meaningful ways. Here are three distinct projects that showcase the breadth of my skills in product development, messaging, and creativity across different telescope missions.
Video Series: Celestial Tours
The Celestial Tours video series was born out of a desire to blend scientific knowledge with cultural narratives, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with viewers from all walks of life. As the project lead and educator, I guided the development of these videos, ensuring that each episode was both informative and captivating. ​ Key Contributions: Cross-Expertise Leadership: Coordinated a team of scientists, educators, and cultural experts to create a well-rounded narrative. Cultural Integration: Engaged with indigenous collaborators and astronomers to incorporate traditional knowledge alongside Western science. Innovative Messaging: Developed a storytelling approach that highlights the beauty and mystery of the cosmos, making complex topics accessible. The series has been widely acclaimed for its ability to connect with diverse audiences, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the universe. By intertwining scientific facts with cultural stories, Celestial Tours has set a new standard for educational content. Examples: Orion's Fire: Explores the Orion Nebula with insights from Maya astronomy experts. Guest Stars: Delves into the history of supernovas, blending ancient and modern perspectives.
Interactive Tools: ViewSpace Slider Interactives
ViewSpace Slider Interactives offer dynamic and immersive ways to explore astronomical phenomena. Leading this project, I focused on creating tools that are not only educational but also engaging, allowing users to interact with and better understand the universe. Key Contributions: Comprehensive Development: Led a team of experts to create interactives that combine visual appeal with scientific accuracy. User Engagement: Designed features such as sliders, labels, and text descriptions to enhance user interaction and learning. Educational Impact: Created tools that make it easier for learners to grasp complex concepts through hands-on exploration. These interactives have become a staple in educational settings, helping students and educators alike to visualize and understand the intricacies of the cosmos. The hands-on approach fosters deeper engagement and retention of scientific knowledge. Examples: Star Death - Cassiopeia A: Traces the remains of an exploded star, providing insights into supernovae and cosmic dust. Detecting Other Worlds - Direct Imaging: Demonstrates how exoplanets are discovered using advanced imaging techniques.
Communicating Complex Science:
Infographics & Lithographs
Infographics and lithographs are powerful tools for visual communication, distilling complex scientific concepts into accessible and visually appealing formats. As the project lead, I ensured that these materials were both informative and engaging, supporting a wide range of educational and outreach efforts. Key Contributions: Creative Visualization: Collaborated with graphic designers and scientists to create visually stunning and scientifically accurate representations. Educational Messaging: Developed narratives that simplify complex topics without compromising on scientific integrity. Broad Reach: Designed materials that cater to diverse audiences, from students to amateur astronomers. These infographics and lithographs have been widely used in educational programs, museums, and public outreach, helping to demystify complex astronomical concepts and inspire a broader audience. Examples: Cosmic Reionization: Explores the early universe and the transition to a transparent state, highlighting Webb Telescope's role. Choose Your Path - Destiny of Dust: Illustrates the life cycle of cosmic dust and its significance in the universe.
