Do you need to be an astronomer to enjoy my programs? Absolutely not! My goal for all of my presentations and programs is help inspire anyone to want to learn more about our Universe, and to transmit my passion and excitement about astronomy and space exploration to my audiences. The PDF at the end of this section is a list of my current presentations (program list most recently updated in May 2025).

 

After you have reviewed my available & unavailable dates, please contact me at the email address listed at the end of this homepage and let me know 1) if you have a date or date range in mind, 2) the program you would like to book or if you need a suggestion, and 3) your institution + whether I will be presenting from your location, if the program is virtual (online-only), or if you would like a prerecorded program. Fees for each type of program are listed below.

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Note: I am currently accepting requests for dates on/after September 30, 2025.

 

When I am unavailable:

• Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends

• Dates listed above in My Upcoming Presentations

• Dates through September 29, 2025 (my schedule is full)

• November 3, 2025

• December 10-18, 2025 (work conflict)

• December 24, 2025-January 4, 2026

• March 2-3, 2026 (work conflict)

• March 23-April 26, 2026

• May 22, 2026-September 13, 2026

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Presentations online or in-person: All my programs are available to be presented in-person or online, and my programs generally last one hour (slightly longer with additional Q&A). I have extensive experience using Zoom Meeting/Webinar, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. The host organization is required to provide the online videoconferencing account to use for the program. As a format alternative, I can prerecord a video of a presentation* (without a participating audience) to provide to you to post to your website or YouTube account for a mutually agreeable time period (usually for 30 days, though longer times are possible, depending on the program; please inquire).

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Fees:

• Base rate: $175

• Travel cost: minimum $25. Will vary by distance/time needed for travel. Please inquire and I will calculate the exact travel cost amount for you.

• For in-person, hybrid, or online-only programs where I am presenting from the brick-and-mortar host location, my total fee is base rate + travel cost. 

• For prerecorded, hybrid, or online-only programs where I am presenting the program from home and no travel is needed, my total fee is base rate only.

• The speaking fee and travel cost listed above are only for my one-hour programs as listed in my presentation roster and for host locations within 70 miles of Aurora, IL. For programs requiring longer-distance travel and/or for one-off specially-requested program topics or unique program formats not listed here, a higher fee and/or additional travel cost will apply. Please inquire.

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Audio-visual and setup needs: My presentations utilize PowerPoint. For in-person programs, I can bring my PC laptop, or if you would like me to use yours, I can bring my presentation on a flash drive. Just let me know what you prefer. My presentations require only a projector, a screen, and a table or podium to set up my computer. I am comfortable using a microphone if your room setup requires use of one.

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Age recommendations: All my programs are geared toward adults. If children wish to attend, it is at the discretion of their parents or guardians, though a general recommendation is that programs would be appropriate for children ages 10 and up. I do not offer programs specifically for children as the primary audience.

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Need some program suggestions?

• See below for my current list of available programs.

• Are you hosting me for the first time? Try Armchair Tour of the Solar System. This program consistently brings in the largest audiences.

• March is Women's History Month. Try Eight Women Who Changed Astronomy or Women in Space Exploration.

• April 22 is Earth Day. Try 12 Things That Make Life On Earth Possible.

• The Webb Space Telescope is providing stunning images and amazing science results. Try The Webb Space Telescope. I update this program with new information every time I present it.

• Does your institution have a telescope for patrons to check out? Try Skywatching with a Telescope and I'll present information about how it works and what you can see with it.

• There is always something interesting to see in the night sky, and the next total lunar eclipse is early morning on March 3, 2026. Try Skywatching With Your Eyes.

• NASA will launch Artemis 2, a mission to fly four astronauts around the Moon, tentatively no later than April 2026. Try Artemis: Returning to the Moon.

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