Science Communication CV

2018-present

I have developed a short (20 minute) basic astronomy/stargazing course for small children (ages 4-8) first held in March 2018 at two local (Dutch) primary schools. I incorporate an interactive, activity-based educational style to teach the students about the phases of the moon, the day/night cycle, and introduce them to the solar system. I can give this lesson in English or Dutch and have done over 50 events. Collaboration with Biblionet Groningen since November 2022 and VRIJDAG in de Buurt since February 2024.

December 2022, February 2024, November 2024-present

I gave a lecture about minerals in space for Technasium students from VWO schools in the north of the Netherlands and graded their completed projects and presentations. 

In November 2024, I redesigned the project using design-thinking methods and a focus on creating small engineering teams focused on creating missions with different science goals on or around the moon (KLOMP).

June 2022-Present

In collaboration with SparkLab (Nathalie Beekman), de Rijdende Popschool, Jonge Onderzoekers and others, we created an immersive and interactive exoplanetary experience for the village of Wehe-den Hoorn with exhibits designed by the primary school children culminating in an exposition on 27 September 2022. I provided scientific expertise and creative guidance for the children and the other collaborators. I continue to collaborate with this group creating scientific educational experiences for underprivileged children.

2017-present

The "Skype a Scientist" program connects scientists to classrooms from the youngest learners to second-chance high school students. I teach them about my work, answer their questions, and talk about my unusual career path. I have participated in 38 sessions as of April 2024.

October 2021 - April 2025

I created and managed the children's activities for Nacht van de Nacht, Landelijke Sterrenkijkdagen, Landelijke Zonnekijkdag, and Zpannend Zernike (Weekend van de Wetenschap) at the Zernike campus.

2014-2018

I volunteered at 17 public events. Most notably, I created and carried out the children’s program for Nacht van de Nacht in November 2021. Designed the activity, purchased supplies, and oversaw volunteers. In the years since, this has become my duty for the three major annual events. I also wrote/filmed social media spot for English-speaking audience for Zpannend Zernike and participated in an  Ask an astronomer session “Star formation & Astrochemistry” with Q&A.

2021-2024

I was part of the organization team for Astronomy on Tap in Groningen. My main duties were creating the budget and writing questions for the pub quiz.

2021-2025

I co-organize an online meeting for pre-tenure mothers in astronomy to discuss issues and support each other. 

September 2022-April 2025

I am often part of profielwerkstukken, career orientation interviews, internships, and other short projects with VMBO, HAVO, and VWO students.

December 2022, December 2023, January 2025

I gave a lecture about light and telescopes with several activities for Weekendschool students (ages 10-14). The presentation can be viewed here.

March 2024

I gave the lecture “Sterren en Stenen, Archeoastronomie”, in Dutch at the Landelijke Sterrenkijkdagen at the Blaauw Observatory in March 2024.

March/April 2023

Lessons at local (Appingedam, Delfzijl, Eenrum) libraries including the Solar System dance, craft, and open Q&A.

November/December 2022

Lessons at local (Groningen Westerkwartier) libraries including the Solar System dance, craft, and open Q&A.

2018-2020

NASA GSFC runs several high-profile outreach events during the year. I volunteered at 11 events including International Observe the Moon Night, Earth Day, running demonstrations at AwesomeCon in Washington D.C., and the Apollo 50th anniversary event on the National Mall.

March 2019

The interview can be read here.

2019-2020 School Year

LPS is a pen-pal program connecting middle school students (age 12-14) from disadvantaged backgrounds to real scientists. Every letter is one-on-one and gives the scientist the opportunity to explain their science, their educational path, and obstacles they have overcome.

2018

I wrote a popular science article about astrochemistry for the university magazine Perio'diek (Issue 2018-1).

February 2018

A Dutch (NWO) initiative to feature tweets from different physicists presenting them as accessible and sharing their work and perspectives. Twitter memory here.

April 2016

A Dutch initiative connecting high school aged Dutch girls with female scientists to inspire them to work in science. I answered questions about my science and lifestyle through Skype.