Kristine Larsen

Astronomy Professor

My BS in Physics is from Central Connecticut State University, where I have been a faculty member since 1989, and MS and PhD in Physics from the University of Connecticut. As an undergraduate I had the life-changing opportunity to be a planetarium performer and observatory docent at CCSU. I have been involved in the Adopt-a-Physicist program since 2006, as part of my dedication to professional and community outreach. I am the former president of the American Association of Variable Star Observers and the editor of the Astronomical League's quarterly magazine 'Reflector'. My rather eclectic research interests focus on the intersections between science and society (especially the use and misuse of science in science fiction and fantasy media), and my books include "Particle Panic! How Popular Media and Popularized Science Feed Public Fears of Particle Accelerator Experiments" (2019), "The Women Who Popularized Geology in the 19th Century" (2017), "Cosmology 101" (2007), and "Stephen Hawking: A Biography" (2005).

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Alumni employer:

Central Connecticut State University

Job description:

At CCSU I teach astronomy from the freshman to senior levels, as well as courses in science education and interdisciplinary courses for the First Year Student, Honors, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Programs. I am also the Director of the Center for Teaching and Faculty Development and former Director of the Honors Program, and faculty coordinator of the Copernican Planetarium and Observatory. In addition to my teaching, research, and university service, I am heavily involved in outreach activities.

State:

Connecticut

City:

New Britain

Engagement Level:

Mentoring

Speakers Bureau - In Person

Speakers Bureau - Virtual

Alumni job sector:

Academia

Alumni Educational Level:

PhD