Speakers

“Eyes to the Skies: My journey as an accidental astronomer”

I first became accustomed to looking up after moving to Alaska at age 10. There the northern lights frequently danced in the cold, dark winter skies and you could count on the radio DJ to announce when to step outside to see the show. My understanding that this was a stellar-induced event, or that there even was a vast Universe to discover, did not come until much later – a decade later. In this talk we’ll explore my journey as an accidental astronomer and how the many mysteries of the Universe serendipitously shaped an exciting life and career. 

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Michelle Larson is the 19th president of Clarkson University, serving in the role since 2025. A physicist and amateur astronomer, Michelle vividly remembers the first time she was curious about something not-yet-understood (by anyone!) and the thrill of chasing new understanding that followed. She’s made it her life’s work to help others feel that way too. Prior to Clarkson University, for 12 years Michelle was the President and CEO of the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Earlier in her career, while at the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics at Penn State, she was a member of the Central Pennsylvania Observers in State College. Michelle earned her bachelors, masters and PhD degrees in physics from Montana State University, where her passion was sparked for progress in service of society.