Dr. Donna Pierce is an associate professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Mississippi State University. Her research concerns the physical and chemical properties of comets. She collaborates with observational astronomers to build interpretive models of the chemistry and structure of comet atmospheres that are in turn used to determine chemical and physical properties of comet…

Robert Swanson is an Instructor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Mississippi State University. He writes and performs children’s music about weather and astronomy for school and library groups. In an effort to teach science in an innovative and interesting way, Bob combines his passions for both science and music. A self-trained musician who plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin,…

Dr. Angelle Tanner is an associate professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Mississippi State University. She has been interested in finding habitable planets outside our solar system since she was young. Her research is focused on multiple methods of extrasolar planet detection including using radial velocities, astrometry and direct imaging. She is also involved in research…