Description:

Laura Trouille
Vice President of Science Engagement & Visualization at Adler Planetarium

Title: Beyond the PhD: Building a Career in Science Engagement and Citizen Science

Abstract: Transitioning from academia to a career in public engagement and citizen science opens up unique and rewarding opportunities. In this talk, I’ll share my journey from an astronomy PhD and CIERA Postdoctoral Fellowship to leading the Adler Planetarium’s Science Engagement Division and supporting research through Zooniverse. I’ll discuss the transition period, including how I identified what I valued and found meaningful versus the traditional markers of success often presented within academia. I’ll also cover the skills that proved essential, how the PhD prepared me for this path, and practical tips for finding similar roles. This talk will provide insights on navigating the shift from research to public engagement, including advice on job searching, networking, and crafting a fulfilling career beyond traditional academia.

About the Presenter:

Laura Trouille, PhD, has been leading the Adler’s Citizen Science efforts since June 2015.  Before that time she held a dual postdoctoral position at Northwestern University and at the Adler, as an observational astronomer (examining supermassive black holes) and a science-education researcher (on the impact of lesson plans incorporating computational thinking into K-12 STEM education).  She earned a Bachelors’ Degree summa cum laude from Dartmouth College and holds a doctorate in Astronomy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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