ECLIPSE EXPO SPEAKERS
Fred Espenak (Mr. Eclipse)
Scientist Emeritus, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Fred Espenak is a retired astrophysicist from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. His work at Goddard involved infrared spectrometers and the development of radiative transfer software to probe the atmospheres of the planets. First captivated by a total eclipse in 1970, he has participated in 30 total eclipse expeditions taking him to every continent. During this time he perfected high dynamic range imaging techniques to capture both the fine structure detail and the beauty of the solar corona. One of these images was featured on a U.S. postage stamp to commemorate the 2017 total eclipse. He also created the NASA Eclipse Web Site where he posted predictions on every solar and lunar eclipse from 2000 BCE to 3000 CE. He is author of numerous eclipse books including Road Atlas of the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. Known popularly as "Mr. Eclipse,” he was honored by the International Astronomical Union in 2003 when asteroid 14120 was named 'Espenak.' He now lives in Portal, Arizona where he operates Bifrost Astronomical Observatory.
To learn more about Fred Espenak and to see his recent photos and publications visit www.MrEclipse.com and www.EclipseWise.com.
Director, Missouri Division of Tourism
As director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, Stephen leads a dedicated team of marketers, communicators, researchers, program managers, legislative and financial specialists, and welcome center ambassadors focused on promoting Missouri as one of the country’s top travel destinations. A lifelong Missourian, he holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Methodist College and has worked at the Division of Tourism in varying roles for more than 11 years.
Stephen Foutes
AJ Christensen
Senior data visualization designer for NASA
AJ Christensen is a senior data visualization designer for the NASA Scientific Visualization Studio (SVS), where he researches, programs, and designs the components of data-driven imagery used for scientific analysis and public outreach. SVS uses NASA-generated datasets include observational data from Earth-based and space-based instruments, scientific "big data" supercomputer models, and physical statistical distributions. AJ specializes in large 3D volumetric model visualizations, topics in heliophysics, and adapting scientific model output for use in cinematic visual effects software. He has previously worked for the National Center for Supercomputing Applications’ Advanced Visualization Lab on science documentary films and planetarium fulldome shows. He also worked for the Hollywood visual effects company Double Negative on the scientifically-motivated movie “Interstellar”, scripted by astrophysicist Kip Thorne, which won a visual effects Oscar. He is currently studying how video games and films can be used in informal learning environments for science communication.
Denise Hill
Communications, Outreach and Media Relations Lead for NASA
Denise Hill currently serves as the Communications, Outreach and Media Relations Lead and co-leads the diversity and inclusion efforts for NASA's Heliophysics Division. Before coming to NASA, Denise led the communication efforts for the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy campaign and the Health Equity Task Force for the Office of Minority Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to that she worked as a senior speechwriter and policy editor at the Department of Transportation and led communication efforts for the research and technology office which included directing engagement efforts for the Smart Cities initiative.
Denise began her career as an educator. She taught 4th-6th grades, college, and worked as a curriculum writer and district staff developer. She has done extensive research and work in the areas of child psychology and education, specifically single-gender education, brain research, gifted and talented education, behavior modification, and classroom management.
First Alert Weather Team at KFVS12, Cape Girardeau
Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, Brian Alworth spent much of his childhood in New Orleans where he developed an interest in all things having to do with weather - especially thunderstorms and hurricanes. After earning undergraduate degrees in both Physics and French, he moved west and fell in love with Rocky Mountain snowstorms. He received a Master's in Atmospheric Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, then went to work for a private forecasting firm in Denver. His first television position was at KTWO in Casper, Wyoming. He moved to the Heartland and KFVS12 in 1988. In September 2005, he acquired the new and upgraded CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society (AMS). When he's not studying weather maps he likes to spend time outdoors. Brian is a serious outdoor photographer, specializing in medium and large format film photography. He has had several gallery shows over the years and is a supporting member of the Southeast Missouri Arts Council.
Brian Alworth
First Alert Weather Team at KFVS12, Cape Girardeau
Cassie joined the First Alert Weather Team at KFVS in spring 2023. From Marissa, Ill., Cassie graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in Meteorology. During college she worked as the weekend meteorologist at WBKO in Bowling Green, Ky. Besides her broadcasting experience she also college work as a teaching assistant in meteorology, she has worked with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.
Cassie was also a weather intern at Fox2 in St. Louis, Mo. and shadowed at KMOV.
Cassie Campbell
Specialist, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Bob Baer works as an academic professional staff member in the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Physics and Applied Physics and is a member of the SIU STEM Education Research Center. He is the director of the SIU’s public astronomy observation program and a board member of the Astronomical Association of Southern Illinois. Bob is actively involved in planning for upcoming eclipses and large scale outreach and research as the Co-Chair of the Southern Illinois 2017 – 2024 eclipse steering committee and through several research projects including the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative. He has carried out several large scale outreach events such as the Southern Illinois Star Party he founded in 2019, and stadium astronomy observations for lunar and solar eclipses.
Bob Baer
Astronomer, technologist, and creative artist
I am an astronomer, technologist, and creative artist focused on using new media to engage people in learning and doing science. Join me as we map our Solar System in unprecedented detail through our citizen science projects at CosmoQuest.org, and learn astronomy through media productions like Astronomy Cast.
Pamela Gay
NASA Solar System Ambassador; Eclipse Chaser
Charles Fulco is a science teacher at Brooklyn Friends School in NYC, a NASA Solar System Ambassador and an eclipse chaser, having observed 5 total solar eclipses and 2 annular eclipses on 4 continents. Reprising his 2017 role as a national eclipse educator for NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors and the American Astronomical Society, he will spend the coming year promoting “eclipse awareness” via his No Child Left Inside! incentive. Through this program, in addition to educating schools (and other organizations) on eclipses, he will be encouraging school administrators nationwide to permit their students to safely view the upcoming US solar eclipses outdoors, not left indoors to watch them on a computer screen.
Charles Fulco
Amateur Astronomer
Mark is a retired engineer and long-time amateur astronomer from St Louis Missouri. Mark has been fortunate enough to have seen 3 total solar eclipses, 3 annular eclipses and numerous partial solar eclipses. Mark is also an amateur telescope maker, building his first telescope mounting at age 13 and first telescope at age 16. Mark has built numerous eclipse-viewing telescopes and accessories and will be discussing those in his presentation. Mark was actively involved in the 2017 Missouri Eclipse Task Force and continues to conduct outreach leading up to the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses.
Mark Jones
Associate Teaching Professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Jill is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO. She has been involved with high altitude ballooning experimentation since 2015 and is one of the faculty mentors for her university’s team of students participating in the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project (https://eclipse.montana.edu/). This project is a collaborative effort between multiple universities to conduct high altitude balloon experiments during the upcoming 2023 annular eclipse and 2024 total eclipse. As one of the engineering track teams for this project, the Missouri S&T team will be launching a camera system on a weather balloon to livestream video from approximately 80,000 ft during both eclipses.
Jill Schmidt
Naturalist Intern at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Carly Robbs is a native of Farmington, Missouri. She grew up on a big farm there, spending a lot of time in the great outdoors. This inspired her to pursue her education at Southeast Missouri State University where she is a senior studying for her degree in Conservation and Wildlife Biology.
Carly is currently the Naturalist Intern at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center under the Missouri Department of Conservation. She loves to work with the public doing outdoor programs such as kayaking, canoeing, nature hikes, and interactive creative workshops. She has a special interest in reptiles and amphibians. In her spare time Carly loves to hike with her two dogs and hunt for fossils along the banks of the Mississippi.
Carly Robbs
President and Vice-President of Rainbow Symphony, Inc.
Rainbow Symphony, Inc. is a company founded and led by Mark Margolis & daughter, Sophie Margolis as the Vice President. Focused on customer service and ensuring the safety of individuals during eclipses, Rainbow Symphony has established itself as a leading provider of high-quality eclipse-viewing glasses, solar filters, and educational materials. Their precision-crafted products meet the highest industry standards, allowing people to experience the beauty of eclipses without compromising their eye health. With a strong commitment to exceptional customer service, Rainbow Symphony goes above and beyond to provide accurate information, reliable products, and prompt assistance, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for astronomers, educators, and eclipse enthusiasts. Join Rainbow Symphony as they continue to innovate and make eclipses accessible to all, prioritizing eye safety along the way.
Mark and Sophie Margolis
Cartographer and co-producer of greatamericaneclipse.com
Michael Zeiler is a long-time eclipse chaser and retired GIS (geographic information systems) professional with Esri, the leading GIS software developer. Michael witnessed his first total solar eclipse from Baja California in 1991. This experience began his long interest in traveling the world to witness total solar eclipses. Michael launched greatamericaneclipse.com in 2014 to focus on the American solar eclipses of 2017, 2023, and 2024. In recognition of his outreach work for the 2017 total solar eclipse, Michael was honored by the International Astronomical Union with his name on asteroid 53253 Zeiler (1999 EV5). Michael enjoys the dark skies near Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Polly White.
Michael Zeiler
Eclipse simulator, Astrophotographer, and Eclipse Chaser
Dan McGlaun is a veteran of 15 total solar eclipses, with backgrounds in math, computer science, technical project management and education. His current project, Eclipse2024.org, offers detailed eclipse information and educational/community resources for over 140,000 locations in North America. Eclipse2024.org also hosts Dan's eclipse simulator, which is featured on solarsystem.nasa.gov as well as in Astronomy and Sky & Telescope magazines. Dan performs all the eclipse calculations that power Eclipse2024.org, using NASA LOLA data, his own Besselian Elements, and custom calculation techniques which allow real-time numerical and visual presentation to users. To supplement his astrophotography hobby, Dan's terrestrial pursuits focus on music. He is a published and frequently-performed composer and arranger, and is currently the principal bass clarinetist with the Indiana Wind Symphony. Dan is also an instrument-rated private pilot, and speaks German and Spanish.
Dan McGlaun
General Manager, KRCU public radio, Cape Girardeau, MO
Dan is a 1994 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. He majored in radio and minored in political science. He spent three of his four years at Southeast working as a student announcer at KRCU – the beginning of his radio career. After graduation, Dan moved to Savannah, Ga., and worked as the Morning Edition host and operations assistant for WSVH Public Radio. In 1996, Dan returned to Cape Girardeau as operations director, and in 2002 became general manager – responsible for the overall management of KRCU Public Radio. His duties include: supervising all full-time staff, project management, grant writing and station development. During his tenure, KRCU has added a repeater station at 88.9 FM in Farmington, Missouri; secured backup generators for both transmitter sites and the station's studios; relocated the studios to the Serena Building in 2008; successfully converted 88.9 FM to HD (High-Definition) in 2011 and added a repeater station at 88.7 FM in Ellsinore, Missouri in 2020. Dan is married, has two children and lives in Jackson, Mo.
Dan Woods
President and CEO of the National Esports Association (NEA)
Lori Bajorek is president and CEO of the National Esports Association (NEA), through which she champions esports in education. She pioneered what is considered the first educational program for esports and continues to build upon her 16 years of experience creating and implementing game-centered programs for enhanced K-12 learning, including establishing academic standards and developing curriculum. She continues to work globally to further esports in education, elevating student engagement, attendance, and academic success.
Microsoft named Bajorek an honoree of the 2022 Microsoft Legacy Project, alongside luminaries like Jane Goodall, Jane Fonda, astronauts, a Nobel Prize laureate, and athletic pioneers. In 2022 she also presented her first Tedx Talk, on the topic of esports in education. Under Bajorek’s leadership, the NEA was ranked third in the country in 2021 among esports entities “on the cutting edge of gaming” by Yahoo! Sports.
She and her husband, Ronald, are the proud parents of two grown children — Alia, a professional comedian, and Trip, a talented gamer.
Lori Bajorek
Electrical Engineer, Astronomer, and Owner of Moonglow Technologies
Mild mannered electrical engineer by day, dynamic astronomer and astrophotographer by night, Fred Bruenjes lives in Warrensburg, Missouri and is founder of Moonglow Technologies, an electronics firm dedicated to developing cutting edge astronomical products for the professional and amateur community. His work has been critical in projects such as the DayStar installation on the GONG global network of solar observatories.
Fred’s interest in astronomy was sparked when Halley's Comet returned in 1986. While the view through his father's 7x50 binoculars was not impressive, it was inspiring. An annular solar eclipse over Fred's doorstep in 1992 launched an expensive habit of chasing solar eclipses to far flung corners of the world. To date, Fred has witnessed eight total solar eclipses and visited over forty countries in his astronomical pursuits.
In 2009 Fred began a systematic search for comets in the northern hemisphere in his spare time in cooperation with the Stargarden Foundation. Using a 14" SCT telescope, in 2012 he discovered comet C/2012 C2 (BRUENJES) as part of his normal search program.