Earth and Space Education and Outreach Consulting

Kathryn Williamson, PhD

Photo taken by Michael Mercier at the Alabama Space Grant Consortium Student Awards Day 2023

Welcome to Kathryn Williamson Consulting LLC

I have over a decade of experience in astronomy and Earth science education and outreach, including a variety of interdisciplinary projects that span art, climate action, and more. I have followed a traditional academic career path since obtaining my doctorate degree in physics, and I am excited to now embark on a new journey of independent consulting, motivated by my recent move to Huntsville, Alabama, i.e. "Rocket City." Explore this site for a snapshot of my work and click here for my full CV. I also enjoy painting and have an accompanying website for my art under the moniker "Ursa Gaia," inspired by Earth and Space.

Explore

See my current and past projects, watch some of my presentations and demonstration videos, and read testimonials from those who have worked with me.

Areas of Expertise

Communication of a variety of astronomy and physics concepts, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, eclipses, gravity and gravitational waves, expansion of the Universe, etc., as well as the nature of science.
Night sky observing and telescope outreach, including both backyard telescopes for events and and robotic telescopes via the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network.
Ambassador Training (ex: for undergraduate and graduate students), science communication, and community engagement strategies for broad dissemination of resources and ideas via the "Train the Trainer" model. (ex: the West Virginia Science Public Outreach Team)
Climate change presentations, activities, and professional development for teachers and students, including communication and civic action. (ex: the West Virginia Climate Change Professional Development Project)
Science & Art (SciArt) connections, including expressions of data and scientific ideas through visual, musical, and performance arts (ex: Celebrating Einstein).
Astronomy accessibility, including tactile learning and data sonification. (ex: "Touching the Stars" and "Authentic Astronomy for All")
Program evaluation via surveys and interviews.
Systemic and cross-disciplinary, creative thinking for how to engage non-traditional audiences and underrepresented groups. I have hosted astronomy engagement events for audiences in Montana and West Virginia, for a women's prison, on Native American reservations, at a Hutterite colony, and for teachers in South Africa.

Please reach out

I'm happy to help you and your team brainstorm how to create or amplify your Earth and Space education and outreach efforts. Please email me at kathryn@kwilliamsonconsulting.com.