About Me

In brief…

I am an astronomer, writer, and podcaster focused on using new media to engage people in science and technology. Through CosmoQuest.org, I work to engage people in both learning and doing science. Join me as we map our Solar System in unprecedented detail through our citizen science projects, and learn astronomy through media productions like Astronomy Cast. Through this weekly podcast, Fraser Cain and I take you on a facts-based journey through our Cosmos, exploring not only what we know, but how we know it.

Long Form…

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.

Personal Statement

There is an element of schizophrenia inherent in the life of any astronomer. Torn between the light and darkness, we must be the thoughtful instructor to our day weary students, and the nocturnal voyeur, diligently stalking the heavens. To the public we must be eloquent in our elocution of true wisdom, while among ourselves we stumble to find possible explanations for that which we don’t understand. We are researchers who think logically and live by reason, yet we are humans and are bound to our emotions. We are torn in every direction: research, family, teaching, learning, community and academic isolation. We are always driven to do more than we can possibly do and I personally always feel that there is something left undone

Why do I fight to wend my way through so many mazes and masks? Because astronomers are also free to learn and to discover the truths that no one has yet realized, and while we can never fully know all the answers, the pursuit of that next piece of the universal puzzle drives me to drive myself to meet the challenges of all the characters I am asked to play.

I am often asked about my belief system. I have created a page to answer that question here.

Requesting a Talk

If you’d like to request that I give a talk at your event / conference / institution, please contact my business manager at Kortney AT starstryder DOT com. I do have a speakers fee (used entirely to pay my staff and for my programs), and will request that lodging and transportation (basic economy on American Airlines if I need to fly) are please paid for.

Other Places to Find Me Online

Astronomy Cast
Astrosphere New Media
CosmoQuest 

 NOTICE

All opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect upon SIUE, CosmoQuest, NASA, or any other institutions and organizations with which I may be or may have been affiliated. This applies to this blog, all my social media accounts, and any other ramblings by me that you may find on the web or a little scrap of paper blowing in the wind. (adapted with permission from policy written by @NoisyAstronomer)