Science Talk '21 Speaker Series: Chris Impey

Welcome to the Science Talk Blog’s Meet the Science Talk ‘21 Speaker series! Each week we will highlight some of our exciting speakers. Registration for Science Talk ‘21 is now open!

Photo courtesy of Chris Impey

Chris is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Arizona. He has 210 publications, 11 teaching awards, and has taught online classes to over 250,000. As a science communicator, he has written 80 popular articles, 2 textbooks, a novel, and 8 popular science books.
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He will be giving a short talk on “How to be Resilient Against Fake Science” on Wednesday, March 24. The full agenda is available on the Science Talk website.

Get to know Chris

What’s the most fun piece you’ve produced or project you’ve worked on?

My most fun and exotic project has been teaching astronomy to Buddhist monks and nuns. I'm part of a project started by the Dalai Lama to upgrade the centuries old training of monastics by adding math and science to the curriculum. They are inspiring learners, endlessly curious and lighthearted. The remote locations in India, Nepal, and Bhutan are pretty impressive too.

What advice would give a new science communicator? 

To always focus on how people learn best vs. just focusing on the information you want to deliver. 
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Who is your favorite science communicator? 

​​A tie between Hank Green and Diana Cowern. Both make short, highly produced, and entertaining science videos. They are masters at their craft - knowledgeable, creative, and humorous.