Episode 101: Dr. Kimberly Arcand, Visualization Scientist, Chandra X-Ray Observatory, NASA

Have you ever held an exploded star in your hand? How about a 3D printed one? Doing precisely that launched Dr. Kimberly Arcand down her windy "Candyland" path to where she is today as a data visualizer and science communicator at NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory. In this episode, you'll also hear about her passion for creating materials that are accessible for all, how important coding is for students and professionals in STEM, and how failing a class can teach you a ton about yourself. Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a leading expert in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging, printing, and extended reality applications with astrophysics data. Kim began her career in molecular biology and public health before moving to NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. Her current projects include sonification of spatial data, screen-based holograms and other intersections of emerging technology and astrophysics. She has co-written seven non-fiction science books including her first two science-related children's books that came out last year. For full shownotes, transcription, and land acknowledgement visit http://i.sfu.ca/eKlXft Relevant Links: Brown University Cassiopeia A Chandra's Sonification Projects Chandra Visual Description Podcasts Chandra X-Ray Observatory Harvard University Kim's website University of Otago University of Rhode Island Hosted by: Vanessa Hennessey Theme Music: "Positive and Fun" by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey