What do colliding galaxies, rum-scented nebulas, and everyday curiosity about the universe have in common? Dr. Jillian Scudder.
A tenured faculty member at Oberlin College & Conservatory, astrophysicist and author Dr. Jillian Scudder has a remarkable ability to bring the cosmos down to Earth. She’ll be at the 2025 Buckeye Book Fair with her newest release, Forty Ways to Know a Star—a beautifully illustrated, mind-expanding journey through the lives and mysteries of stars.
With a Ph.D. focused on how galactic collisions change the rate of star formation and alter a galaxy’s chemical makeup, Dr. Scudder is not only a leading researcher but also a natural teacher and storyteller. At Oberlin, she teaches a wide range of physics and astronomy courses, including a writing-intensive seminar on media literacy in science—giving first-year students the tools to question and critically interpret what they read about the cosmos.
Dr. Scudder is also known for her lively and deeply engaging public outreach. From Nerd Nite events in bars to convention panels at GeekGirlCon and Nine Worlds Geek Fest, she makes science approachable for everyone. She’s been a guest on podcasts like Universe Today Space Cast, BBC Sky at Night, and Something You Should Know, and is no stranger to live radio, appearing on BBC Sussex and WWL since 2015.
Her writing career began with Astroquizzical, a popular “ask an astronomer” blog turned book, followed by The Milky Way Smells of Rum and Raspberries, a delightful dive into the unexpected side of astronomy. Now, Forty Ways to Know a Star continues her mission to unlock the universe for curious minds. With forty short essays paired with NASA images and vibrant illustrations, the book offers a clear, awe-inspiring view of stellar science—from the birth of stars in nebulae to the rainbow spectrum of their light.
Whether she’s explaining the lifecycle of a supernova or answering spontaneous questions from a room full of middle schoolers, Dr. Scudder never loses her sense of wonder—or her deep respect for every curious question.
Dr. Scudder returns to the Buckeye Book Fair with genuine enthusiasm, ready to connect with readers and share her passion for the cosmos.
If you’re fascinated by the stars, or even just a little star-curious, don’t miss the chance to meet one of the most approachable voices in astronomy on Saturday, November 1st between 9:30am and 4:00pm at the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, Ohio. Dr. Jillian Scudder will help you see the universe in forty new ways—and maybe, even more.
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