In May 2024, I joined the LSST Discovery Alliance (LSST-DA) as their Director of Strategic Engagement. As an astronomer and educator with a passion for making science accessible to all, this role is incredibly exciting. The LSST, or Legacy Survey of Space & Time, will be conducted at the Rubin Observatory in Chile in 2025. Equipped with the world’s largest digital camera, it will create a decade-long cosmic time-lapse movie, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe. The LSST-DA is a US non-profit aiming to enhance Rubin's LSST impact by engaging a diverse global community of scientists and removing obstacles between the LSST data and the valuable insights it will deliver. At LSST-DA, I will foster effective collaboration and support for Alliance participants, facilitate external communications, build relationships, enhance fundraising capacity, serve as a media liaison, and pursue independent research to support our goal of democratizing science.

Prior to joining LSST-DA, I received my PhD in Astrophysics in March 2024 from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). My thesis, titled Democratizing & Enhancing Exoplanet Research with the Unistellar Citizen Science Network & Astronomy Modeling Instruction, highlighted the significant impact of citizen science on exoplanet research and education. This work, conducted with UniSQ, the SETI Institute, and the American Modeling Teachers Association (AMTA), led to several peer-reviewed publications and included contributions from over 200 citizen astronomers, including high school students who were included as co-authors in my paper for the discovery and confirmation of exoplanet TIC 139270665 b (see Research & Publications). 

I have also been an educator, leading workshops and courses for high school and college teachers (e.g., see MI Astro), and implemented an astrophysics course at Griffin High School (Vallejo, CA) that was articulated with Napa Valley College (Napa, CA) for dual credit. Additionally, I taught an introductory astronomy course at Napa Valley College (ASTR 110) and was instrumental in the development of the Unistellar College Astronomy Network (UCAN) and Unistellar Education as the Unistellar Education Associate and Assistant Director of UCAN at the SETI Institute. 

Before my career in astronomy and education, I worked in the music industry at Warner Music Distribution, Universal Music, Lost Highway, and Island Def Jam. As a promotions and artist development professional, I successfully developed and implemented regional and national campaigns for artists like Fall Out Boy, Wolfmother, The Bravery, Bon Jovi, and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.  

While my work with major music acts was fun, I find even greater excitement and reward in my work as a singer-songwriter and music producer. With the indie pop rock group, Falling Andes, I have performed with nationally touring artists, achieved national press, and AAA radio play. Most recently, I had my music played on SiriusXM satellite radio, under the pseudonym, Conner Eko. See Music to listen, watch, and learn more.  

My education includes an Associate of Applied Science in Music Business with a minor in Songwriting from McNally Smith College of Music (2005), a B.A. in Media & Professional Communications and a B.S. in Natural Sciences (Planetary Science) from the University of Pittsburgh (2016), an M.Ed. in Science Curriculum & Instruction from the University of San Diego (2017), and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Queensland (2024). 

With a unique background, I completed an impactful PhD in Astrophysics in only five years elapsed time. I believe that the research I recently completed with UniSQ, the SETI Institute, and AMTA lays the groundwork for a revolution in astronomy that opens many more opportunities for educators, students, citizen scientists, and other non-professionals to access the universe and even contribute to major astronomical research efforts (e.g. with Astronomy Modeling Instruction and digital smart telescopes, such as  Unistellar eVscopes). 

As I embark on a new journey with LSST-DA, I am galvanized to contribute my skills and passions to the Alliance. Together, with the power of the LSST project and the rich citizen science opportunities it will provide, I believe we can foster a new chapter where more of the world can contribute and experience science as we work towards changing how science is done and who is at the table.

The evolution and possible revolution of astronomy that utilizes powerful new technology (e.g. digital smart telescopes like Unistellar eVscopes), citizen science, and innovative education initiatives (e.g., Astronomy Modeling Instruction). Image courtesy Dr. Franck Marchis (SETI Institute, Unistellar).