Astronomy & Outreach
Bringing the universe down to Earth — for schools, scouts, libraries, and anyone who’ll look up.
Off the clock I’m a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, a past president of the Houston Astronomical Society, and currently Operations Coordinator for the Texas Star Party. If you’re a school, scout group, library, or community organization in the Houston area looking for a speaker or a telescope night, get in touch.
Why this work matters
Astronomy outreach is the rare thing that crosses every line — age, background, language. A view of Saturn through a telescope shifts something in a person. Doing it in Houston, the city most closely associated with the Apollo program, makes that connection even sharper.
I see this work as the natural extension of what I do for a living: translate something technical and abstract into something human and useful.
Follow along — I post outreach moments, observing nights, and the occasional astrophotograph on Instagram as @theastrojoe.
Roles & involvement
2020 — Present
NASA / JPL Solar System Ambassador
Selected and trained NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory volunteer ambassador. Represent NASA missions and science to the public through outreach events, presentations, and community engagement across the Houston area. Speak on the full spectrum of NASA missions and directives.
2025 — Present
Operations Coordinator, Texas Star Party
Serve as Operations Coordinator for the Texas Star Party — one of the most prestigious dark-sky observing events in North America, drawing amateur and professional astronomers from across the United States and internationally. Lead operational planning across event programming, registration, and on-site logistics.
2020 — 2024
President, Houston Astronomical Society
Led one of the oldest and largest astronomy nonprofits in the southern United States (501(c)(3)) through pandemic disruption and recovery. Grew membership from ~450 to over 950 in four years — establishing HAS as one of the largest astronomy clubs in the U.S. Designed and launched a New Member Orientation, structured Mentorship program, and gamified online membership journey that drove sustained engagement.
2013 — 2019
Outreach Chairperson, Houston Astronomical Society
Owned the club's community outreach program for six years — organizing and leading 60+ outreach events annually for schools, scout organizations, libraries, and community partners. Over 360 events delivered across the six-year tenure. Co-led the Houston regional celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (2019) in partnership with NASA.