Sarah is a proficient science communicator knowledgeable by an academic background in astronomy and astrophysics. She determined to pursue a profession in area when she was simply six years outdated after her instructor introduced in a information clipping of an exoplanet discovery.
“I assumed it was the best factor ever,” she mentioned. “I advised my mother that night time, ‘That is what I wish to do with the remainder of my life.’”
Sarah adopted her desires.
After highschool, Sarah attended the College of California, Berkeley, the place she graduated with a level in astrophysics. In 2015, she began working at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, giving science lectures on the ground, guiding college discipline journeys, and writing for its journal. She grew to become a present producer for Griffith’s month-to-month present and webcast “All House Thought-about,” the place she finally served as their citizen science correspondent.
About three years in the past, Mat was invited onto “All House Thought-about” as a visitor. In line with Mat, an “enthusiastic younger girl” named Sarah sat down subsequent to his spouse, Adrienne, and defined that she was an Observatory worker who had helped produce that night time’s present.
“Adrienne advised me once I got here off the stage that I needed to meet her,” he recalled. “I will be ceaselessly grateful for that pleasant introduction. Sarah had my deep love for all issues cosmic, however she additionally had a level in astrophysics and has frolicked within the discipline.”
Someday after that assembly, Sarah utilized to work at The Planetary Society, the place she was employed as our Digital Group Supervisor. For the final two years, she’s introduced science to the general public because the lead voice of our social media channels and has developed new methods to have interaction with our members.
When Mat introduced his retirement from the present earlier this yr, The Planetary Society set out on an intensive seek for a brand new host. Lots of of individuals utilized. Sarah’s reward for locating and speaking essentially the most compelling tales and insights from the area group to the general public made her the clear alternative. She may be very excited to get to know you all, and we’re excited so that you can get to know her.
“There are so few folks on this world who will not be solely given the chance to work a job they take pleasure in, however to work a dream job,” she mentioned. “It feels cosmically fortunate that of all of the folks within the universe, I might be given a job like this.”
As for Mat, he couldn’t be happier for Sarah or the present.
“The loyal Planetary Radio viewers is about to find somebody who likes to share the PB&J of area — the fervour, magnificence, and pleasure — as a lot as I do,” he mentioned. “I can not wait to see the place she and our colleagues take us on this new period.”
You’ll be listening to extra from Mat and Sarah over the subsequent few months. Sarah will formally begin as Planetary Radio’s main host on Jan. 4. Mat will proceed to take part in The Planetary Society’s work after he hangs up his headphones on Dec. 30.
For now, we hope you’ll be a part of us in congratulating each Mat and Sarah on their new adventures.
