One giant leap: For James Webb and scientists on the silver screen

Dr. Alex Lockwood is the project scientist on the science communication team for the James Webb Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute. While earning her Ph.D. in Planetary Astronomy and Science, Alex had the unique opportunity to star in a movie about the challenges faced by grad students. She discovered a passion for communication through her stint on the silver screen, and now she uses her doctorate to share astronomy with the world as a science communicator. She talks with us about her lifelong love of “looking up,” the obstacles of being a woman in science, and sharing the iconic James Webb Telescope images with the world.

This episode was produced by Zoe Swiss and Shane M Hanlon, and mixed by Collin Warren. Artwork by Karen Romano Young. Interview conducted by Jason Rodriguez.