Dara Norman: Inspiring and Empowering People to Pursue Science Careers

Redefining Scientific Merit: Dr. Dara Norman’s Mission to Make Astronomy More Inclusive

The Light of the Cosmos

In the realm of astronomy, the only tangible evidence available to scientists is the light that emanates from distant celestial bodies. From this ethereal data, astronomers must deduce a myriad of properties, such as the mass, temperature, and evolutionary history of stars and galaxies. Deciphering the secrets hidden within these vast datasets is the core of any astronomer’s work, and it is a task that Dr. Dara Norman, deputy director of the Community Science and Data Center at NOIRLab, facilitates for the broader astronomical community.

Nurturing a Love for Science

Dr. Norman’s passion for science and space was ignited during her childhood in Chicago, where she had access to free museums like the Museum of Science and Industry. These institutions provided a space where children could immerse themselves in science without financial barriers, fostering curiosity and exploration. Although her dream of becoming an astronaut was thwarted by poor eyesight, Dr. Norman’s path led her to pursue a career as a scientist instead.

“It was just amazing,” she reminisces. “It looked like all the pictures, and I was hooked.”

A pivotal moment occurred during her undergraduate years at MIT when she peered through a telescope and witnessed the majesty of Jupiter firsthand, solidifying her decision to pursue astronomy.

Confronting Barriers to Access

Dr. Norman’s work extends beyond research, as she actively engages in outreach efforts to make astronomy more accessible. While telescope time is limited, the data generated by these instruments is vast and available for anyone to utilize. However, during a sabbatical at Howard University, Dr. Norman encountered the stark reality of the disparities in access faced by smaller institutions.

Infrastructure limitations, such as unreliable internet connectivity and slow download speeds, hindered her ability to work with the large datasets essential for astronomical research. This experience served as an eye-opening moment, highlighting the technical, resource, and advisory limitations that individuals at smaller institutions often face.

Advocating for Inclusivity in STEM

Dr. Norman’s ultimate goal is to transform the culture of astronomy and STEM fields to be more inclusive. She emphasizes the importance of considering not only the scientific objectives of a project but also the human factor involved in achieving those goals.

“I want to ask people to think about how we think about scientific merit in our fields,” she says. “I want to help make that change, where how we do the science is as important as what science we’re doing.”

By leveraging her position within the field, Dr. Norman strives to push the boundaries of how scientific merit is defined, advocating for a more holistic approach that takes into account the diverse experiences and challenges faced by researchers from various backgrounds.

Through her tireless efforts to promote inclusivity and accessibility in astronomy, Dr. Dara Norman is leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community, paving the way for a more equitable future in STEM.