As part of Black Space Week 2026, Astrobites is highlighting members of the Black in Astro community who will be presenting at the 248th AAS meeting starting next week! If you’ll be attending, we encourage you to check out the presentation below.
Shadow the Scientists: Connecting Communities With Scientists Through Virtual Engagement
Abstract: Based at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Shadow the Scientists (StS) is an initiative under the CREST umbrella of programs, first implemented in the summer of 2020. With a focus on students and educators from underresourced and underrepresented groups, StS seeks to provide more equitable access to educational opportunities by working to eliminate the existing barriers to participation in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through real-time interactions with scientists conducting authentic and uncurated research across a range of fields, virtual “shadow” sessions, facilitated via Zoom, not only encourage participation in research practices but also provide opportunities to engage in critical thinking in the context of scientific inquiry. Participants gain insight into the people, processes, and uncertainties behind the work, helping to humanize those involved and reinforce trust in the scientific process.
About: Jameeka Marshall is the Program Manager for Shadow the Scientists at UC Santa Cruz. An educator, amateur astronomer, science communicator, and citizen scientist, she creates opportunities for people to engage directly with scientists conducting real-time research. Jameeka is passionate about making science accessible, building connections between scientific communities and the public, and inspiring curiosity, especially about the cosmos.
Presentation Details: June 16th at 2:20 PM in Session 217 – Pathways into Modern Space Science in Ballroom C
This post is part of Astrobites coverage of #BlackSpaceWeek presented by Black in Astro. Black in Astro is a grassroots organization that offers support and networking for Black people working in or studying astronomy and space-related fields across the globe. Black Space Week is a virtual conference that features panels, talks, art, giveaways, and various other virtual events to celebrate Blackness in astronomy and space science. For more information on Black Space Week and Black in Astro, please visit their website: https://www.blackinastro.com/.
