Cosmic Conversation from JC to the Universe

Jackson College is proud to be a 2026 Shapley Visiting Lecture site host, and we are thrilled to invite you (and your students) to participate in the upcoming events!

Founded in 1958 by the American Astronomical Society, the Shapley Visiting Lecture Program funds a small number of professional astronomers to visit colleges and universities each year and give a series of astronomy-themed talks to the students and local community. Jackson College is hosting Dr. Teresa Paneque-Carreño, Assistant Professor at the Astronomy Department of the University of Michigan, who specializes in planet formation and STEM outreach for young people. She will be giving special talks at the Jackson District Library (on Monday, Oct. 19) and Jackson College (on Wednesday, Oct. 21) that are free and open to the public (see flyer). But she has also agreed to be the guest of honor at a special “STEM Banquet” on Thursday, Oct. 22, at Jackson College, where local teachers and their nominated students can hear her speak and meet with her, as well as connect with peers from around the county. There is no cost for attending, but registration is required (and space is limited).

Who: Local high school mathematics & science teachers and their nominated students; JC STEM faculty and their nominated students

What: Dinner with opening remarks from Dr. Paneque-Carreño, followed by networking and activities for all attendees

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2026stembanquet

Featured Talk: “How to Be a Scientist When You Are NOT a Genius”

Science and STEM fields are amazing career paths, but many people feel like they are “not good enough” to be there. In this talk I will briefly talk about the challenges I have faced in my career as an immigrant child who was very curious and wanted to study the universe but constantly battled impostor syndrome and the complexities of being a woman in a male-dominated area. What is the role that science can play in order to make a positive impact on society? How can we make it a more welcoming environment for new generations in STEM fields? I will reflect on these topics while answering questions and discussing with the participants their own struggles and experiences.