Outreach

As scientists, it's easy to slip into the world of jargon and technical discussions with our colleagues. However, scientific communication and outreach with the non-experts and non-scientists is one of the most important parts of a career in STEM. I actively participate in outreach events targeting all ages in our community.

Astrobites

In January of 2020, I joined the astrobites team as a daily paper summary writer. Astrobites is an amazing organization that seeks to make new astronomy discoveries easily accessible to undergraduates. This is done by writing daily paper summaries of recently published work in the field of astronomy. While I'm now retired from astrobites, I strove to give astrochemistry a stronger voice in the astrobites community when I was active.

Dark Skies, Bright Kids

Dark Skies, Bright Kids! (DSBK) is a non-profit organization led by graduate students at the University of Virginia. Our mission statement is to "enhance science education and literacy in Virginia elementary schools, primarily in underserved areas." We seek to show young children how fun astronomy and STEM truly are and show them that anyone (including them) can be a scientist.

During the 2020 pandemic the DSBK volunteers (including me!) have worked hard to continue science outreach in a remote setting. We created printable lesson plans for children and modified our in person Summer and Semester Clubs to virtual setting. For more info check out my Astrobite post on DSBK during the 2020 pandemic.

Astronomy on Tap

Astronomy on Tap is a fun and exciting way to reach adults, while also discussing science in an informal setting. I have presented in Astronomy on Tap Events in both Charlottesville, Va and Baton Rouge, La (virtually).

The Aurora Borealis & Solar Activity
- Madison, WI: February 18, 2025
- Mirror Lake, WI: June 28, 2025 (through University of Wisconsin Badger Talks)
The Origins of Us: From Hydrogen to Humans
- Charlottesville, Va: October 11, 2019 (Facebook link here)
- Baton Rouge, La: February 11, 2021 (watch the video here)
- Madison, WI: May 20, 2025 (though Pint of Science)
- Elkhorn, WI: October 24, 2025 (though Yerkes Observatory)
Dancing Molecules: How Astronomers View the Universe
- Charlottesville, Va: February 8, 2021(watch the video here)
- Mirror Lake, WI: June 28, 2025 (through University of Wisconsin Badger Talks)
How to Brew "Beer" from Sgr B2
- Charlottesville, Va: April 27, 2023
- Madison, WI: September 17, 2024

Planetarium Shows

Through the years, I have given many planetarium shows in using both star and digital projectors. Most of my shows have been for children's events, but adults are always welcome, too! I prefer to use planetarium shows as an opportunity to teach about the history of astronomy, or to take students on a tour of the Solar System and/or Universe.

Undergraduate: Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society

At Ball State University, I was actively involved in the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) for all four years of undergrad (2014-2018). During these years, I served as a general member, volunteer coordinator, vice president, and president. While I am no longer a member of SAACS, this organization helped shaped my love and enthusiasm for STEM communication.

Interested in my work? Please reach out to me at awaggoner2@wisc.edu