Our Team
Katherine Auld, PhD - Founder
-
In my spare time I enjoy the hiking and outdoor photography. In my quiet moments I read and crochet.
I have an avid fascination with the interconnected nature of science. None of us, no living thing, exists in a vacuum. Each of us requires so many intricate connections to land, water, and air. Take any one of those away; pollute or interrupt it, and the entire system of Earth gets sick. Studying science gives me an avenue to explore those connections.
-
Education:
PhD Space and Planetary Sciences - 2014
MS Geology - 2006
BS Geology - 2003
Organizations:
Boy Scouts of America
Rotary
Service to community:
Scout leader, advisor, and merit badge counselor 2007 - present
Sugar Creek Astronomical Society 2012-2016
NWA Space and Science Center 2014 - present
NASA Solar System Ambassador 2015 - present
NASA Community College Network 2022 - present
Activation Astronomy Ambassador (NASA/Seti) - 2022
In 2003 Katherine completed a Bachelor of Science in geology. In 2006 she received a Master of Science in geology by examining crater types on the martian surface. Knowing that she did not want to work in petroleum, Katherine then pursued more education. She received her PhD in Space and Planetary Science with an emphasis in martian geomorphology in 2014 by studying gullies on Mars. She published articles in Planetary and Space Science, a European journal. Katherine also contributed a chapter to a special issue published by the Geological Society of London.
Katherine works at NorthWest Arkansas Community College where she serves as Science Department Chair, Associate Professor of Astronomy and advisor for the Astronomy Club.
Katherine has served as a Solar System Ambassador with NASA since 2015. In this capacity she speaks at libraries and public schools sharing about current NASA missions.
As an Astronomy Activation Ambassador (AAA) Katherine spent a week in Hawaii during October 2022 and two days at the summit of Maunakea. She assisted with observing one night at the InfraRed Telescope Facility.
Katherine has been a member of the NASA Community College Network (NCCN) since 2022
-
I was sitting in Ms. Janie Johnson’s 6th grade class watching a live broadcast of a Space Shuttle launch. After listening to the roar of the rockets, I vividly remember thinking “I want to do THAT!!!” While the desire to be an astronaut has never left me, it took 22 years for life to lead me to space exploration.... except now I am doing the research to support exploration of Mars.
Clint Branham - Vice Chair
-
Space!!!
-
Walmart cyber security
-
Amateur astronomy and hanging out with family
Tanya Silvio - Treasurer
-
Outdoors and family
-
Engineering and banking
-
Let’s make this region the very best it can be!
Kent Marts - Secretary
Shobha George
Molly Ussery
-
I have had a lifetime enjoyment of astronomy, enjoy the outdoors and natural/Earth sciences.
-
Education:
BA Journalism Arkansas State University
Organizations:
Boy Scouts of America
Sugar Creek Astronomical Society
I worked in newspaper my entire life until I left the field in 2017. Worked in heavy steel fabrication for a year then joined Explore Scientific, a leading optic company focused on astronomy, sports optics, and STEM items.
-
Description text goes here
-
In my down time, I enjoy writing and social media. I have been to numerous STEM museums around the world because my kids love STEM. I personally love science; especially biology.
-
B.A. in english
J.D. in law
Former corporate lawyer
Social media manager for non-profit organization in London
-
I believe an interest in science should be encouraged and cultivated in all children to encourage lifelong learning and curiosity.
-
Amateur astronomer
-
Ecology
-
Science and STEM
Dustin Masterson
Ryan Agnew
Joni Webster
-
I am very interested in work force development. Only with a well educated and tech-qualified work force can Northwest Arkansas draw employers who will create high-paying jobs for our citizens.
-
Dustin loves talking to people. His favorite part of the month is demos at First Friday where he gets to talk about science.
-
Education
Positions
IT security Analyst - Walmart
Intelligence Specialist - US Navy
Aviation Electronics Technician - US Navy
Awards
Humanitarian Service Medal
Dustin Masterson is an IT Security Analyst for Walmart Technology, where he specializes in insider threat detection and remediation. He previously served as an Aviation Electronics Technician and later as an Intelligence Specialist with the United States Navy. He has been awarded the Humanitarian Service Metal for his aid during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.
-
STEM is for everyone
-
Family
-
Lawyer
-
Let’s get this built
-
Family and outdoors
-
Banking
David Lightfoot
-
I believe that this area needs a science center. I want to help make it happen… for myself, my kids, and our region.
-
Construction
-
David loves movies and science. Science movies are sometimes the best. Taking his family to a movie is better still.
