Lunar Phases Flipbook

Dr. Kimberly Arcand is one of the world’s preeminent experts in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging and extended reality in astrophysics. Arcand began her career in astronomy after being hired for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998. She presented her TEDx talk entitled “How to Hold a Dead Star in Your Hands” in 2016, the same year she was selected as a “Changemaker” for the White House United State of Women Summit. In 2019, she was featured in Smithsonian’s “How to be a Scientist” video series for her work in astronomy and 3D visualization. Arcand led a team of researchers to launch the first-ever data-driven virtual reality application of a supernova remnant using NASA data, and she has successfully launched subsequent projects in other areas of emerging technology for astrophysics. Her current research involves sonification of spatial data, screen-based holograms, and other intersections of emerging technology and astrophysics. She has co-written seven non-fiction science books including her first two science-related children’s books that came out this year. Kim is also a member of AstraFemina, a non-profit organization of women who are leaders in STEM fields, with a mission to Inspire Today’s Girls to Become Tomorrow’s STEM Stars by sharing their stories.