Hello! My name is Charity, or The Astronista (a word I created to explain my love of fashion and astronomy). This blog will offer you a glimpse of what it is like to be a scientist in the world of art. When I began college I studied ceramics and even though I was studying art, I was required to complete a science class. I decided to take astronomy because it seemed “fun and easy”. It wasn’t easy, but oh boy, was it fun! A month into the course I decided that I wanted to become an astronomer, and that’s exactly what I did.

I have had great opportunities to observe on some of the best radio telescopes in the world, including the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico! However, astronomy is not my only love. I love all fields of science! I spent a few weeks in the Sierra Nevada studying volcanic landforms in the Long Valley Caldera region and have dabbled in archaeology as well.

I love conducting scientific research, but I love talking about science just as much. After completing my degree in Astrophysics, I started working at the Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science in Boston in 2013! I continued to make art throughout college, and eventually started making science themed jewelry and clothing. In 2012 I started a business called The Science Boutique where I make jewelry, clothing and accessories all themed around science. You can see me around Boston in the summer at various arts markets or on Etsy.

I have a Master’s degree in Critical and Creative Thinking, which I apply to the science communication I do through the museum and my shop. I also volunteer as a NASA Solar System Ambassador where I receive support and information to enable me to communicate to the public the exciting things that are happening in space exploration!

This blog, while currently under construction, will showcase how I blend the sciences and the arts in a multitude of ways. I hope to use it as a way to bring hands-on-science into places you would not normally find it. Stay tuned for more!

-The Astronista