GOVERNING COUNCIL
Yasmín Catricheo
Yasmín is a STEM Educator Officer, working for Associated Universities, Inc. She has a history of teaching astronomy and STEM-related topics in Chilean schools and Universities, having completed her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Bío-Bío in Concepción, Chile. Yasmin is a member of the MAPU TRAFUN association, and being of Mapuche origins, she has been working for the past years to preserve and share the Mapuche indigenous roots, knowledge and ways of knowing the universe through social and educational activities. She serves as the current President and CEO of the Janequeo Foundation, the Governing Council Chairperson for the International Astronomical Union – North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development, and Board Secretary for the Astronomers Without Borders Board of Directors.
Shari Lifson
Shari Lifson is the Corporate Communications Coordinator for the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). She is responsible for working with AURA’s three centers: Space Telescope Science Institute, NSF’s NOIRLab, and the National Solar Observatory to develop cross-center communication efforts and strategies. Prior to joining AURA, Lifson worked as a Communication Officer for the Center for Climate Systems Research at the Earth Institute/Columbia University. Shari Lifson holds a master’s degree from Columbia in Sustainability Management and a master’s in Visual Communication from the Pratt Institute. She is based at the AURA corporate office in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Tim Spuck
Tim is the Director of Education & Public Engagement at AUI where he manages the development and implementation of innovative STEM Education programs, and leads efforts to build domestic and international partnerships. Tim also serves as the current President for the Oil Region Astronomical Society, and Board Chairperson for Astronomers Without Borders. Prior to his role with AUI he taught astronomy and earth sciences at the high school and university levels and served as a K–12 Science Coordinator. Tim holds a doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction from West Virginia University.
Dr. Laura Trouille
Dr. Laura Trouille is Vice President of Science Engagement at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and co-lead for the Zooniverse.org people-powered research platform with over 80 active projects across the disciplines and 2 million participants worldwide. Her background is in astronomy as well as collaborating with education researchers on innovative ways to bring science to the public.
ADVISORY BOARD
Tania Anderson
Tania Anderson is a committee member for the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and leads program management for the Youth for Astronomy and Engineering (YAE) at Space Telescope Science Institute. She has over 23 years of experience in non-profit, government, and academic backgrounds. Anderson’s expertise is in business operation and management, diversity training, STEM pipeline development, and outreach.
Bettymaya Foott
Bettymaya Foott loves to bring people to the dark side. As the Director of Engagement for DarkSky International, Bettymaya works with a global community of dark sky defenders, empowering them with tools, resources, and inspiration to protect the night sky. An avid astrophotographer, you can usually find her out under the stars with one of her three cameras battling off mosquitos. Bettymaya’s photography has been featured in Sky and Telescope, National Geographic, and the Los Angeles Times. Her dark sky efforts have reached TedX Kansas City and the New York Times.
Sue Ann Heatherly
Sue Ann Heatherly is the senior education officer at the Green Bank Observatory, and directs the educational programs there.
Billy Hix
Billy grew up in deep rural poverty where he dreamed of leaving and working in the space program. He found no support in the education system at the time and promised someday to return and make a difference. He worked for many years as a science liaison director for several science and propulsion initiatives at NASA/MSFC. Since his retirement, over 75,000 students and teachers have looked up at the night sky in his planetarium. Billy is founder and CEO of TeachSTEM LLC which conducts planetarium programs to rural schools in TN at no cost. After returning to Tennessee to care for a parent, he taught science teachers in undergrad and graduate level course work and worked with K-12 schools across the state to start STEM programs.
Isa Mohammed
Isa Mohammed is an amateur astronomer, engineer and entrepreneur residing in Trinidad and Tobago. He is the current President of the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy, and he also serves as the Trinidad and Tobago National Coordinator for Astronomers Without Borders. Isa is a Director and Sales Manager at Eniath’s Printing Company Limited. Apart from his work in science outreach and education, he is also an avid astrophotographer. When he’s not tending to his business or doing outreach, he can usually be found behind a telescope, fishing, or playing board games with his wife and three sons.
Dr. José Morey
José Morey, M.D. is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Ad Astra Media LLC, an Eisenhower Fellow, and Co-Founder of Ever Medical Technologies. He is a health and technology keynote speaker, author, and consultant for NASA, Forbes, MIT, the United Nations World Food Program and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. He is considered the world’s first Intergalactic Doctor and is often featured on Forbes, Univision, CNBC, and NASA360. He coined Puerto Rico as the future “Silicon Island” as appeared in Forbes, The Weekly Journal, Reddit and Hispanic Executive. Additionally, along with Frank Carbajal, he is co-author of “LatinX Business Success” by Wiley Publishing.
April Russell
April Russell is a passionate advocate for astronomy education and community engagement. With a strong background in astrophysics, education, and strategic leadership, she has dedicated her career to fostering a global appreciation for the wonders of the universe. April earned a BS in physics and a MS in planetary sciences from MIT, and an MA in Education. She was the astronomer at Dudley Observatory, and taught astrophysics at both Siena and Vassar College. April has spearheaded the creation of innovative science education resources that enhance engagement and success, particularly for neurodiverse learners. She has also contributed significantly to published research, including a multi-decade asteroid study. Asteroid 33845 Aprilrussell is named in her honor.
Dr. Ana Torres Campos
Ana Torres is an administrative and Research Fellow at the Humanistic and Scientific Research Office in Mexico’s National Council for Humanities, Science and Technology (CONAHCYT) where she is conducting a research project on the achievements of Frontier Science Research Funding Programs while participating in the design, opening and follow-up of call for proposals. Prior to his role with CONAHCYT she was the Large Millimeter Telescope outreach officer. She has been actively participating in astronomy outreach activities for over a decade. Ana holds a doctorate in Astrophysics from the National Institute of Astrophysics, Optics and Electronics (INAOE) in Mexico.