Strictly Academic

08/12/2026

08/12/2026

Spending the earlier part of July exploring Morocco and southern Spain . I was tracing the sites where science flourished long before the Renaissance.

From the medinas of Marrakech to the Mezquita of Córdoba, it was humbling to walk through spaces where scholars once advanced astronomy, mathematics, and medicine centuries ahead of their time. A powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge has always been a global, interconnected story.

08/12/2026

It was an honor to participate in STEM Advocacy Day on July 29 on Capitol Hill, representing the American Physical Society (APS), the National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP), the American Astronomical Society (AAS), and the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

When I was 12, I received my first telescope. A simple gift that sparked a lifelong fascination with physics and shaped my career as an educator and advocate. Decades later, that same inspiration brought me to Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that expand opportunities for the next generation to discover, pursue, and thrive in STEM.

Together with fellow physicists Amy Liu and Ari Jain, I met with Congressional offices representing Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia to discuss strengthening STEM education, broadening participation in the physical sciences, and investing in our future scientific workforce.

08/12/2026

I am honored to have been invited to participate in the 11th International School Astronomy Education Adventure (AEACI), held in San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, from July 20–25, 2026.

This international program embraced a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to astronomy education. Highlights of the week included presenting a geometry lesson on astronomical scaling that I implemented this past academic year, attending a jazz concert, visiting the telescopes atop the mountains of Tenerife, exploring the island's beautiful beaches, and enjoying some of the best seafood I've ever had!

I am grateful to have met and connected with passionate educators from around the world.

06/28/2026

✨ When I was 12 years old, my parents gave me my first telescope. I pointed it at the sky that very first night — and I was never the same.

Astronomy was my first love in science. It is what drew me to physics, to teaching, and ultimately to dedicating my career to inspiring the next generation of STEM thinkers.

So I am beyond excited to share this news with my community:

I have been selected to participate in AEACI 2026 – Astro-Journeys Summer School 🌟 in the beautiful Canary Islands, Spain! As a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador since 2012, this feels like the most meaningful full-circle moment of my career.

I cannot wait to immerse myself in a professional astronomical research environment — and I am especially hoping to see the Milky Way with my own eyes for the very first time. 🌌

Everything I experience there, I will bring back home to share with the K-12 educators and students I serve here in Maryland. That is always the mission — go, learn, and give it back.

Stay tuned for updates from Tenerife! 🔭

AEACI 2026 – Astro-Journeys Summer School 🌟
📅 July 20–24, 2026
📍 IACTEC – San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
💻 Hybrid (in-person and online)

02/17/2026

Excited to announce a deep dive into the Quantum world! ⚛️

I am thrilled to be co-facilitating a hands-on workshop alongside the brilliant Dr. Alice Flarend at the upcoming CSAAPT, AAPT-SEPS, and NJAAPT Spring Meeting!

Our mission? To bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics for K-12 educators. We’ll be moving beyond the theory and getting our hands on real-world demonstrations, including:

The Three-Polarizer Effect: A visual journey into quantum measurement.

Wave-Particle Duality: De-mystifying the nature of light.

Actionable Roadmaps: Providing teachers with a concrete plan to bring quantum tech into their own classrooms.

📍 Where: University of Delaware
🗓️ When: Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 9 AM – Noon

If you’re attending the Spring Meeting, I’d love to see you there! Let’s empower the next generation of scientists together.

https://indico.phys.vt.edu/event/72/page/128-quantum-education-workshop-sunday

This meeting is hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Delaware, with additional funding from Department of Physics and the College of Science at Virginia Tech Departments of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Virginia Department of Physics and Astronomy, Coll...

01/21/2026

It is important to give back. I am excited to share that I will be presenting at STEM Night at Featherbed Lane Elementary School (BCPS) on Tuesday, February 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. My presentation will focus on space and emerging technologies, offering students and families the opportunity to explore topics such as space science, nanotechnology, and quantum science, and to understand how these fields are interconnected. This event promises to be an engaging and inspiring experience for both students and parents.

01/15/2026

Conduct Research this Summer for High School and Undergraduate!

Two opportunities to develop skills in emerging tech fields, including data science, quantum computing & cybersecurity, and apply those skills to real research mentored by industry professionals. Programs are free + provide a stipend for the first 150 accepted students. No prior experience required.

Students grades 9-11: Apply to the National High School Research Program with Columbia University and develop a full research project to showcase on your college apps! The program is virtual with live instruction. Learn more & apply: the-cs.org/nhsrp.

Seniors: Apply to the Early Quantum Career Immersion Program in partnership with the University of Maryland. This training program focuses on quantum cybersecurity and prepares students for internships & networking with emerging tech companies. Learn more & apply: qubitbyqubit.org/eqci.

12/08/2025

Thrilled to be invited on a panel “Community Catalysts: Quantum Innovation Across Disciplines” at the 1st Annual Quantum Conference at UDC on Friday, Dec 5. We discussed cross-sector partnerships, workforce development, and equitable access to quantum innovation —