Andrew “Andy” Shaner
Public Engagement Lead - Lunar and Planetary Institute
Wichita Northwest High School, Wichita, KS
Wichita State University
B.A. Secondary Education
The University of Arizona
M.A Teaching and Teacher Education, Minor in Planetary Science
My kindergarten teacher made solar system booklets where each page had a sentence about an object in the solar system. We then had to draw that object. My drawing of the Moon can be seen in this profile.
As a grad student, I was fortunate enough to be a member of the education and public outreach team for the Mars Phoenix mission which was operated at the University of Arizona. I enjoyed the experience so much that I looked for ways to continue working with the space program after graduation. I'm still here.
I design, implement and evaluate a variety of programs to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in NASA science and exploration. Programs include public lectures and family Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) events. I also assist scientists in connecting with people.
Keep your options open. Pursue the life you want to live, but don't be afraid to try something you never thought you would try or thought you could do.
My best friend. He is a professor of communications at Penn State University. He and I have been close since middle school. Though we work in different fields, and certainly do not have a competitive relationship, I look up to him as a model of someone who works hard and is doing what he loves to do.
When I have time I like to pursue genealogy research. Being a fan of history, I enjoy learning about the historical contexts in which my family has been situated.
Planetary science is a global profession.