Student Staff

Hi! My name is Jonathan Lawler. I am a fourth-year physics and astronomy major at Ball State. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with the stars and the Universe beyond. After a few astronomy classes, volunteering at my local school planetarium, and my continual love of everything science fiction, I decided that I shouldn't stop there as an adult. I am still captivated today by the strange and extraordinary nature of our Universe, and I am ever eager to explore further. I joined the Brown Planetarium team because of my desire to learn more about why the Universe is the way it is and use that knowledge to understand how it behaves, as well as uncover new discoveries alongside others in my field and share them with the community.

Hi! I'm Jessica and I am Natural Resource and Environmental Management major. I am also a transfer student, and this is my second year at Ball State! I grew up attending programs and events at my local parks and science center. Over the past few years, I've taken on quite a few interpretation roles and have taught people of all ages about natural and cultural resources as well as all things animals! I joined the Brown Planetarium team because I love learning about new things that broaden my understanding of the universe. I'm so excited to continue my journey here at the Brown Planetarium and to be a part of making science accessible!

Hi there, my name is Daniel Noble! I’m a second-year graduate student in physics at Ball State. Most anyone who knows me could tell you that I love space and have for just about as long as I have been alive. This love led me to a Bachelor’s degree in physics from Earlham College where I helped run the college observatory and here to Ball State. I’m excited to join the planetarium team to help spread my fascination with space with everyone who comes through the planetarium’s doors, and I hope you all learn a little something along the way.

Hi! My name is Olivia Bishop, and I am a first-year graduate student in the Physics Master’s program at Ball State. I’ve always loved studying science through various classes and interacting with professors. I also enjoy exploring nature as there is so much science to see throughout nature. Thus, I love taking hikes and walks and exploring where I can with my own two feet. However, we can’t explore the whole world on our own two feet, which is why I’m excited about joining the Brown Planetarium team. The planetarium allows us to explore what was once out of reach, so we can now easily see and learn more about the planets, stars, and more. I’m excited to discover more about science at the planetarium!

Hello! I'm Angie and I'm a Natural Resource and Environmental Management major with a minor in Political Science. This is my first year at Ball State. As a child, I always loved hearing the folk tales about the stars. As I got older I fell in love with the science of our universe that made those stories possible. I joined the Brown Planetarium team because it provides the community with a learning environment that shows both the science and the stories. Being an active volunteer within my community is very important to me. This is why I love that this position allows me to help and connect with my new Ball State community.

Hi! I'm Riley. I am a freshman astronomy major and physics minor. I love anything to do with science, but my calling has always been towards the stars and beyond. I love to read and do research in my spare time. I also just love being around the people I know and care about. I can get a bit nerdy at times, especially when it comes to anything related to astronomy. My favorite planet I would have to say is J1407b. For those who do not know, J1407b is a planet like Saturn, but with rings over about 112 million miles in width. My second favorite would be 55 Cancri e which is partly made of diamonds. I decided to work at the planetarium for the pure joy of it. Hosting planetarium shows is something I can see myself doing in the future and this experience is both a learning experience and an extremely fun experience.

My name is Smriti and I am majoring in Astronomy, a field that has captivated me since childhood. From a young age, I have been captivated by the mysteries of the universe, eagerly attending every astronomy event and lecture I could find. My fascination with the cosmos has only deepened over the years, as I continually seek to understand the complexities of the universe. This deep-seated passion has naturally led me to work in a planetarium, where I can blend my enthusiasm for the cosmos with my desire to share its wonders with others. Working in this environment allows me to not only engage with the universe daily but also inspire others to appreciate the vast and awe-inspiring expanse of space.

Hello! I'm a junior Theatre Creations major and recent transfer to Ball State. While I'm not majoring in a STEM field, I still absolutely love space and learning more about it! It's incredibly beautiful and fascinating, and observing how humans interact with space tells us a lot about ourselves as a species. I love being able to tell stories, and planetariums are the perfect place to tell stories about space! In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, sewing, and embroidery, as well as collecting funky earrings (a lot of which are space themed).