I am an astronomer, writer, and podcaster focused on using new media to engage people in science and technology. My most well known project may be Astronomy Cast, a podcast I co-host with Fraser Cain (Producer of Universe Today). Each week, Fraser and I work to take our listeners on a facts-based journey through the cosmos that explores not only what we know about the universe, but how we know it. We are know entering our seventh year of production, and thanks to the constant new discoveries coming out of the Space Science communities, we have no plans stop recording any time soon.

In addition to podcasting, I also work to communicate astronomy to the public through this blog, through frequent public talks, and through popular articles. My writing has appeared in Astronomy, Sky and Telescope, and Lightspeed magazines.

A public school kid through and through, I received a B.S. in Astrophysis from Michigan State University in 1996 and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Texas in 2002. Today, I teach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Although my first research love was and remains variable stars, I have committed scientific adultery more than once to use my technology skills to explore the secrets of galaxy evolution, and planetary surface geology. Today, along with my astronomy science research, I also focus my efforts (the majority of my efforts really) on engaging the public in doing science through CosmoQuest.

While it may seem that I either live on campus or perhaps online, I actually live in a historic house in southern Illinois with my husband, two dogs, and a lot of books. Whenever I can, escape to horseback ride at Phancy Pharm.