Outreach

Astronomy on Tap, Charlottesville

Astronomy on Tap brings astronomy talks, games, and trivia to a local brewery for a night of fun public engagement, free of charge. I have been the leader of AoT-C'ville since 2019 where I've organized/scheduled 28 events as of July 2025.

As leader I schedule speakers, develop trivia, create graphics, communicate with venues, and M.C. the event as my alter ego 'Buzzed Lightyear.' Find recorded events at the following link: AoT-C'ville recorded events.

Find a list of our past and upcoming events at the following link: AoT-Cville events

Planetarium Shows

I frequently run free and interactive planetarium shows in the Charlottesville community using the DSBK (see below) portable planetarium and Digital Starlab software. These shows are often run at local schools or public events with the goal of making the universe just a little more accessible to the general public.

As of July 2025 I have led over 200 shows for all age ranges and with run times from 10-45 minutes and reaching over 4000 people.

Please reach out if you'd like a planetarium show at your school or event!

I also briefly volunteered weekly in 'The Dome' at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, VA from June 2019 - March 2020. Acting as the dome/console operator I gained over 100 hours of experience running 45 minute interactive planetarium shows and big screen movies with the Digistar 6 planetarium software in the 76 foot diamter dome with seating for 259 people.

Dark Skies, Bright Kids

Dark Skies, Bright Kids (DSBK) is an outreach program based out of the Astronomy Department at the University of Virginia. It aims to enhance science education at under-served elementary schools in the Charlottesville area through hands-on activities that foster the natural curiosity of children. I was an active volunteer of DSBK while a graduate student (2015-2020) and acted as its leader from September 2016 to August 2019.

With DSBK, I have organized, led, and regularly attended weekly afterschool clubs and week-long summer camps, hosted Star Parties, and led one-off event planning. Through DSBK led events we have been able to reach tens of thousands of members of the general public.

See this video for DSBK's impact on our local community.

Reach out to DSBK if you'd like them to organize an event or club.

Public Nights at Charlottesville Observatories

The University of Virginia's historic McCormick Observatory is open to the public on the first and third Friday of every month, and Fan Mountain Observatory has public nights once per semester. I occasionally volunteer at these events, leading telescope observing and giving talks.

Follow this link for information about the public night program at UVA.

Other Outreach Activities

While my major outreach efforts are listed below I also frequently help with one-off (or similar) type of events. Find a list of these below and reach out with any questions about them.

Girls Exploring the Universe is a summer camp for middle-schoolers located in Charlottesville, VA. I have helped lead activities and given planetarium shows on the Solar System at these events.
Letters to a Pre-Scientist is a pen pal program that connects students from underserved schools with real STEM professionals to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a sense of belonging in science.
College Mentors for Kids Outreach is a program pairs local elementary students (“little buddies”) one‑on‑one with UVA undergraduates for weekly on‑Campus activities focused on exposing them to college life, community service, cultural diversity, and building confidence and aspiration. I have hosted astronomy events during their programs.

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