Teaching for the Stars: UC hosts famed astronomer alumna

Ever since she was a young child, Amanda Bauer always wanted to understand more about the universe. Her fascination with space was sparked at 16 by the Hale-Bopp comet’s pass by Earth.

By 2002 she graduated with honors from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in physics.

Today, Bauer’s research explores the process of galaxy formation and the reasons they stop creating new stars. Bauer began college as a French language major, but an introduction to astronomy course prompted her to switch to science.

Known for being a regular guest on ABC Radio and ABC News, Bauer has made a name for herself as an astrophysicist after graduating from UC. She has traveled internationally to present her findings in the field of cosmology, working as a research astronomer at the Australian Astronomical Observatory from 2013 to 2016. She was named to Radio National's and University of New South Wales’ list of Top 5 Under 40, a nationwide call to find the next generation of great science communicators.

Now working as the head of education and public outreach at the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope in Tucson, Ariz. Bauer was recently invited back to UC to present a seminar to physics students.

Bauer said she had the opportunity to work in small class sizes and in project-based labs. These classes fulfilled a “puzzle-solving mentality” that Bauer had grown up nurturing.

Bauer’s interactive classes set her up for success, but she also benefited from mentors within the department, particularly her Women in Science and Engineering peers. The group's vision is to provide an environment for women in science and engineering to attain their full potential as students and faculty.

“Seeing a lot of other women in sciences – I thought, 'Yeah, I can do this!'” Bauer said. 

Looking to stay inspired by the women in her field, Bauer attended a lecture with particle physics professor Janet Conrad hosted by the department when she was an undergraduate.

In a moment of kismet, Bauer was the only one to attend for the first 45 minutes, allowing her private time to discuss her career goals with Conrad. Their discussion was a small step to getting a student internship with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey that would lead to her giant leap into a career in astronomy and physics.

“You never know where what you learn here will take you,” Bauer said.

Bauer’s recent trip to Cincinnati also included her third sold-out public talk at the Cincinnati Observatory. Professor and Associate Dean for Natural Sciences Margaret Hanson praised Bauer for her accessible speaking events.

“Beyond a strong work ethic, Amanda’s talent and gift is her amazingly positive and adaptable attitude toward others,” Hanson said.

While the physics department didn’t offer an astronomy track when Bauer attended, the program doubled its majors from 45 to 90 between 2004 and 2016. Currently, around one-third of physics students are majoring in astrophysics.

Bauer’s advice to these students: “Ask questions, be enthusiastic! That curiosity can create serendipitous opportunities you weren’t necessarily looking for.”