A Non-Exhaustive Outreach Summary

Over the years I’ve been involved in a large number, and range out ‘outreach’ events. I’ve always seen this as an important part of my job - some of my early experiences of learning the importance of science was at places like the Center for Life in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and the Glasgow Science Center. Outreach gives scientists the opportunity to connect with a huge, diverse range of individuals and to demystify science as it is an important medium for understanding the world around us.

I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, and with a huge range of scientific experience and age groups. Below I have tried to capture some of my outreach activities, and this is a non-exhaustive list as over the years, many details have fallen through the cracks. However, my memories of connecting with people over science and wonder about the universe are fully intact, and keep me going on tough days when answers in my research feel harder to find.

I am generally available for outreach opportunities - I do not usually charge a fee for any attendance with community groups and schools. If you are interested in my work, having me visit your school or community group in Australia, or would like my input or time for larger projects, feel free to contact me!

Mt Stromlo Observatory Outreach Program

I completed my PhD at Mt Stromlo Observatory in Canberra, Australia. The observatory has an important role in the community: it is home to the first commonwealth building in Australia, and was the location of the Australian timekeeping standard for many years. The local community was stunned and heartbroken when, in 2003, a catastrophic bushfire destroyed the observatory, surrounding suburbs and acres of beautiful bushland. However, the community at the observatory and the surrounding community rallyed around the observatory. I arrived in 2015, shortly after the facade to the director’s residence was restored and the interior turned into a memorial to the bushfires.

I took part in the 2017 restoration of the Mt Stromlo exploratory and visitor center, and its reopening to the public. The reopening of the visitor center enabled the observatory to accomodate larger tour groups, and over the years 2015-2019 I hosted tens, if not around 100 school groups, scout troops and junior cadets. I presented guided star tours, activities, question and answer sessions with scientists and operated telescopes to show kids from across Australia - and some adult tour groups - the beautiful night sky from the observatory. I also helped out over the years with well-attended public observing nights, and gave the odd public talk at these events about antimatter and supernovae, two aspects of my research.

CAASTRO Astronomer in Residence, Voyages Resort Yulara

In 2016 I spent two weeks as the CAASTRO ‘astronomer in residence’ at Voyages Resort in the Northern Territory. The program placed professional astronomers at the resort to work and learn alongside professional science communicators conducting astronomy tours from the resort, and operate a daytime information stall where the general public could engage in astronomy activities and get to know professional astronomers.

The program was unique among the outreach that I’ve done in that it enabled me to connect with folks who may not otherwise engage with astronomy - people passing by would often stop to look at the astronomy stall despite not intending to come out to find out more about the Universe. Seeing Venus through the telescope, even in the middle of the day, was particularly popular. I particularly loved interacting with folks from the nearby Mutitjulu community - their enthusiasm to learn more from the astronomers was awesome, and it was incredible to learn more about Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the night sky there, from their perspective.

I gained a lot of skills in the operation of telescopes, and conducting tours of the night sky, from expert astronomy guide Mike Dalley. Its an honour to continue sharing the stories about the sky I learned during my time there.

Physics in the Pub Canberra

I was lucky enough to perform several times for Dr Phil Dooley’s ‘physics in the pub’ event in Canberra. Held at the well-known watering hole Smiths Alternative bookstore and cafe, these evenings were an opportunity to embrace some of the more creative aspects of science communication. There is a video knocking around on the internet somewhere of a song I wrote about the trials and tribulations of being part of a large, international collaboration, working with ‘big data’, and all of the pleasures and pitfalls it brings. It was lovely to get to know Phil and Smiths Alternatives owner Nigel over the years, and I am grateful to them both for the opportunity to be part of a Canberra institution

Astrophiz Podcast

I was just beginning the second six months of my PhD when I did my first podcast recording with the wonderful Brendan O’Brien (also known as @astrophiz on Twitter). Brendan’s enthusiasm for science and astronomy in Australia is infectious, and I loved talking to him about my PhD project on antimatter. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to be on the podcast for a second time - it was a delight to catch up with Brendan and chat more about my current research on gravitational wave discovery. Brendan has been a great supporter over the years, and it always brightens my day to interact with him on social media and catch up for the podcast!

Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting

In 2019 I attended the 69th Lindau Nobel Laureates meeting. While there, I was interviewed by Brian Malow (aka @sciencecomedian). Available on FaceBook, the interview is one of my absolute favorite discussions on science I’ve ever had the opportunity to have (despite me being jet-lagged and nursing a recent head injury at the time!). All of Brian’s Lindau interviews are excellent - he was a joy to talk to and discuss science and science communication with.

New Scientist Live

A lifelong reader of New Scientist magazine (I started young - picking up the magazine when it was left lying around by my parents at home), I was thrilled when in 2019 I recived an email inviting me to the Sydney ‘New Scientist Live’ event ‘Mysteries of the Universe’ as one of their panel of experts. I presented a 45 minute talk on the mysteries of antimatter to an audience of about 100 science enthusiasts at the University of Technology Sydney. The panel discussion, which featured experts on cosmology, gravitational waves, dark matter, dark energy, antimatter and time, was an amazing experience.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, in 2020 all of NSLive’s live events were sadly cancelled. However, they have now provided an opportunity to experience the event in your own home. In 2020 I recorded a series of short ‘expert’ lectures on the mysteries of antimatter for their online course ‘Mysteries of the Universe’, which people can sign up to and learn more about the universe from myself, Dan Hooper and Chris Impey.

Pint of Science

I’ve taken part in Canberra’s 2019 Pint of Science event, I tweeted about my science for the 2020 online event, and this year so far I have recorded a 'Mug of Science’ interview with Dr Tom Carruthers, available on YouTube. I’m looking forward to the online and in-person Pint of Science events in 2021

FameLab

In 2019, I was one of 10 NSW finalists in the Australian FameLab competition, where I presented my 3-minute research talk ‘What your fruit bowl and the Galaxy have in common’

AstroTweeps, RealScientists and PeopleOfSpace

I have been lucky enough to take over ‘rotating curator’ twitter accounts @AstroTweeps, @RealScientists and @PeopleOfSpace over the years. This is a fun opportunity to engage with different folks all around the world, and discuss everything from cool scientific discoveries to day to day life in academia

Cassini End of Mission

In 2017, I was one of 30 Australian and NZ social media influencers chosen to attend the Canberra Deep Space Network to watch the Cassini probe officially end its 30 year mission, spectacularly crashing into the atmosphere of Saturn, the planet it had studied for decades. The end of mission was an emotional end to a remarkable science mission that had captured the hearts of many people over the years.