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‘ Science can be for everybody ’
12
Pluto researcher takes outreach to a whole new level
By PATRICIA SMITH
Sky ’ s Up staff writer
Caitlin Ahrens has an overflowing plate . She ’ s a Ph . D . candidate , a dedicated researcher , manager of the Pluto simulation lab at the Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences , a NASA Solar System Ambassador and even the host of a weekly radio show on the local NPR affiliate . Above all , though , she is a passionate advocate for science . “ Science doesn ’ t have to be for the professionals , science doesn ’ t have to be for the students , science can be for everybody ,” exclaimed Ahrens during a recent interview . Her wholehearted belief in this idea drives her to take every opportunity to cultivate curiosity in others about the workings of our world , our solar system and the universe beyond . Her approach to outreach is an eclectic mix of methods that combines traditional techniques like visits to astronomy clubs and schools with fresh tactics like her weekly radio show “ Scratching the Surface .” Listeners can tune in to hear Ahrens give quick talks on intriguing subjects like sunquakes or the dark canyon found on Pluto ’ s companion moon Charon . Although the original target audience was comprised of listeners of the local NPR affiliate , Ahrens has pioneered an educational initiative that capitalizes on the unique reach this outlet offers . The program , which she co-created with her cousin who teaches at-risk early elementary students in Columbus , Ohio , is called “ Write to a Scientist .” The point is to incorporate more science lessons
Even adults should still have that sense of curiosity . They don ’ t have to go into research , but there should always be that sense of curiosity of ‘ Have you ever wondered about space volcanoes ?
Have you ever wondered about what if Earth lived near a pulsar ? What if the Earth had two moons ?’ There should be always a sense of curiosity on all levels .
COURTESY OF Caitlin Ahrens
Caitlin Ahrens , a Ph . D . candidate at the University of Arkansas , stands in the studio where she records “ Scratching the Surface ,” a radio show for KUAF , the NPR affiliate in Fayetteville , Ark .
into the first and second grade curriculum while still maintaining the required focus on reading and writing . The program involves the teacher playing Ahrens ’ radio show for the children and , when possible , showing them images related to the phenomenon being discussed . After they listen , the children come together to write a “ giant letter ” filled with follow-up questions that Ahrens then responds to with a letter of her own and , when possible , trinkets like NASA bookmarks . “ We ’ re entering into our second year in that program ,” she said . “ We did it as a guinea pig run last year , and it went great . I just got word not too long ago that the administration at that school loved the program .” It ’ s clear that Ahrens is thrilled to see the curiosity her words have sparked in these children . One example
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