The StarGazer
Kathryn Williamson, Morgantown
WVU professor of astronomy and co-founder of West Virginia Climate Action
TEACHING FOR THE STARS
“When I worked at the Green Bank Observatory, I founded the West Virginia Science Public Outreach Team, which trains college students to be ambassadors and give science presentations to K–12 students. There are a lot of ways students can be a part of science, such as through the Pulsar Search Collaboratory and Skynet Junior Scholars. We’re amplifying the science that’s happening in our state, showing that you don’t have to leave West Virginia to be part of really cutting-edge, authentic science and excitement around scientific progress.”
ENCOURAGING FUTURE SCIENTISTS
“Middle-school age is the time that these really personal identifications start to happen—when you start to identify with scientists, or not. When I was in eighth grade, my dad gave me the book Cosmos by Carl Sagan. I wouldn’t have told you then that I wanted to be an astronomer, but I had that sort of moment. And now I get to be like Carl Sagan; he was a communicator of science.”
CONNECTING FOR OUR CLIMATE
“We’re stronger together, so West Virginia Climate Action tries to connect people and amplify the work that is happening, whether it’s highly organized or highly personal.”
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER 2021 WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN
Learn more about our Wonder Women
Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.
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