“We need to do a better job of connecting our workforce, our pathways, our early college opportunities for young adults with the opportunities we know are going to be here in this state.”

In her address, “Astronomy: From Aristotle to AI,” Alyssa Goodman, the Robert Wheeler Willson Professor of Applied Astronomy at Harvard and a research associate of the Smithsonian, said, “Whenever I talk to the public like this, I just want them to see that we’re just regular people who get to do this amazing job. I’m from New York and I used to love going to the Hayden Planetarium as a kid. Now my team has permission to use its huge dome to test our 3D imaging maps.

“If someone had told me as a kid that I would one day be handed the keys to the Hayden Planetarium, I would never have believed it,” she said. “You just never know what will spark that kind of excitement in someone, which is why I love these kinds of events.”

The evening’s program included an exhibit of vintage photographs showing the women who worked as astronomical computers in the Harvard Observatory during the 19th and 20th centuries, coupled with a visit to the CfA’s historic Great Refractor telescope, and hands-on activities in the courtyard. The evening was capped with a reception and viewing of  Jupiter and Saturn from the CfA rooftop.

“This whole night was amazing,” said student Sabrina Urbancik. “Dr. Goodman is an amazing lecturer. She’s excited about her work, and that makes me excited too.”

For more information on the mentoring program visit its website. To learn about other University initiatives to support STEM education and to build college and career awareness among local youth, click here.