Ivy Comer

Title of Program: Space Science Education and Outreach

E-mail Address: lcomer@vols.utk.edu

Hometown: Johnson City, TN

Year: Senior

Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2025

Description of Program:My program is called Space Science Education and Outreach. It is devised to be split into three categories: Space Sciences (physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry), Education (science education, educational psychology, and developmental psychology) and Outreach (learning methods and gaining skills in interacting with a public learning environment). With these three components, I have the foundational knowledge in astronomy to teach using the skills I gain from my education coursework to coordinate my own outreach programs or designing lesson plans.

The reason I want my undergraduate degree in Space Science Education and Outreach is because I want to learn how to invoke curiosity and foster exploration. This is focused in astronomy because I believe studying outer space can give us a larger perspective to the significance of life.

Departmental Emphases: Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Education, Psychology, Philosophy

Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Sean Lindsay

Plans After Graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): I am primarily focused on traveling after college to do volunteer work in different countries. For my career, I am interested in paths such as educational consulting, educational philosophy applied in the planetarium, or outreach coordination.

Other Academic Interests: I have a strong interest in the philosophies of Asian religions and children’s picture book writing.
Prior Enrollment at Other Colleges or Universities: N/A

Study Abroad: N/A

Research Experiences or Internships: I have done research with my mentor studying meteorites using spectroscopy to understand more about asteroids and solar system formation.

Part-time Employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: I’ve had a federal work-study in our university planetarium under Paul Lewis assisting with outreach events and public observation nights. On campus, I enjoy weight-lifting at trec and playing tennis.