Astronomer to Present at Greenville College

Published: April 13, 2021

Dr. Pamela Gay will present at Greenville College on Wednesday, March 27 at 3:30 p.m. Gay is an American astronomer, writer, and podcaster focused on using new media to engage people in science and technology. Gay's presentation "Cosmology and Faith Without Conflict" will challenge the divergence between faith and the scientific study of the universe. The presentation in Snyder Hall room 104 is part of the Miller Lecture Series. It is free and open to the public.

Gay, best known for her work in astronomical podcasting, was one of the cofounders of Slacker Astronomy. Her writing has appeared in Astronomy, Sky and Telescope, and Lightspeed magazines. She currently works with Fraser Cain in co-hosting Astronomy Cast. She received her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Texas, Austin, in 2002. Gay is an assistant research professor in the STEM center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She maintains simultaneous appointments as an instructor with the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia as part of its astronomical distance learning program.

Gay is also active in collaborative outreach efforts within the astronomical community. Her main research interests include RR Lyrae stars. She was on the Council (Board of Directors) for the American Association of Variable Star Observers, as well as its Educational Committee Chair. Gay was co-chair of the United States new media efforts with regard to the International Year of Astronomy, 2009.