Share Your Stories with the CSWA Blog

Hello from your blogger-in-chief at CSWA. I'm Kimberly Mitchell, and I took on the role of blogger in January 2025. I've had an interest in astronomy and space since childhood, and I recently completed my Master's in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh.

At the CSWA, we want YOUR STORIES to share with our community. I'm looking for stories about how you came to astronomy and physics, how you decided to study at your current school or your research/post-doc position. Are you running a special program at your university or in your community? Tell us! Are you a specialist in your field and want to share what you're doing? Did you write a paper or present at a conference? Let's highlight that work on the blog!

I like to tell people, "We're all living stories." Let's share these stories as part of the CSWA community.

Below are some examples of recent blogs. We cover topics that affect women in astronomy and physics, in academics, and as professionals. We celebrate past achievements and current ones. We look at women in history and how they trail-blazed for women today. We also examine problems affecting women in astronomy roles, which include the two-body problem, balancing family life, discrimination and harassment, etc. 

Do you have an idea or an issue you would like to see in the blog? Reach out to me at kimberly.mitchell@aas.org. You can also respond to the blog with your ideas. 

Career Profile Example - As the World Turns...an interview with the keeper of Earth's rotation data.

Community Outreach Example - The Telescopes for Teachers Program with Dr. Rachel Huchmala.

Women in History Example - Margaret Rossiter's Life and Work Brought Women Scientists to Light

Issues Facing Women in Astronomy Example - Cross-post: The Impacts of Parenthood Are Not Equal

We look forward to sharing your stories for the Women in Astronomy blog. 

The Power of Stories

I have never been a story teller. I’ve never developed the flair, pacing, and audience connections needed to tell a good story. So when I attended the “Women in Business – Transitioning to Leadership” workshop at the University of North Carolina’s (UNC)Kenan-Flagler Business School in May, I wasn’t expecting to tell a story. Dr. Heidi Schultz, Clinical Professor of Management and Corporate Communication at UNC and the facilitator of our Wednesday afternoon session, told us that the story a speaker tells is often the only thing an audience remembers! Once I heard that, I realized that I wanted to know more about the power of stories.

In her article for Forbes Magazine, How To Tell A Good Story, contributor Kristi Hedges shares the reasons why most people don’t consider themselves good storytellers.

• I never think of it
• I tend to ramble and lose the point
• I have a hard time gauging interest
• I am never sure how much detail to use
• I don’t have good stories to share