Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association Welcomes Dr. Jackie Milingo, MMA's Director of Astronomy, as Featured October Science Speaker Series
NANTUCKET, MA— —The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) announces that it will host its new
Director of Astronomy, Jackie Mlingo, PhD., as a featured presenter for its October Science Speaker
Series. The presentation will take place on Wednesday, October 15 at 7pm in person at the MMA
Research Center, 2 Vestal Street, and via Zoom. The event is FREE to all.
Have you ever noticed the dark spots that sometimes appear on the Sun’s surface? These “sunspots” are
just one example of star spots—mysterious patches that appear on stars across the galaxy. Far from
being simple blemishes, star spots reveal the powerful magnetic forces at work inside stars, forces that
also drive solar storms and shape the space weather that can impact entire planetary systems.
In this talk, Dr. Milingo will share her research on star spots and how she uses them as a window into
teaching undergraduates the process of scientific discovery. She will also explore how science can reach
far beyond the classroom—bringing STEM into everyday spaces and sparking curiosity across
communities, from kindergartners to lifelong learners.
Dr. Jackie Milingo is an observational astronomer who earned B.S. degrees in Physics and Astronomy from
the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Oklahoma. Her research is
currently focused on understanding magnetic activity cycles in sun-like stars through long-term studies of
starpots. Dr. Milingo joins the MMA after a year-long AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship at
the U.S. National Science Foundation, where she was a Fellow in the Office of Legislative and Public
Affairs, as well as the Astronomy Division in the Math and Physical Sciences Directorate. Before her
fellowship, she was a professor in the Physics Department at Gettysburg College for over twenty years
where her work included mentoring undergraduate research students.
Dr. Milingo joined the staff of the MMA in early September after a year-long, worldwide search for a new
astronomer. She becomes the eighth MMA Astronomer and Director of the Astronomy Department of
the MMA since Margaret Harwood, the MMA’s first astronomer, served from 1916 to 1957. Dr. Milingo
has spent her career committed to generating transformative experiential learning opportunities,
contributing to public education and outreach, removing barriers for students, and changing the
conversation and learning spaces in astronomy, physics, and STEM in general.
This event will be held both in person and via Zoom. Pre-registration is required to attend either option.
To register for the free, in-person event, use the registration link below:
https://112458a.blackbaudhosting.com/112458a/October-Science-Speaker-Series--Dr-Jackie-Milingo
To register for the free, Zoom option, use the registration link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5q4kXF2rRHi8iWbFPkLN5w
The Science Speaker Series is generously sponsored by the Maria Mitchell Association’s lead sponsor,
Bank of America
The Maria Mitchell Association was founded in 1902 to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell. After she discovered a comet in 1847, Mitchell’s international fame led to many achievements and awards, including an appointment as the first professor of astronomy at Vassar College. Maria Mitchell believed in “learning by doing” and today that philosophy is reflected in the MMA’s mission statement, programs, research projects, and other activities. The Maria Mitchell Association operates two observatories, a natural science museum, an aquarium, a research center, and preserves the historic birthplace of Maria Mitchell. A wide variety of science and history-related programming is offered throughout the year for people of all ages.
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For Immediate Release
October 2, 2025
Contact: Jonelle Gurley
jgurley@mariamitchell.org
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