Community Connectors: Wayne Schlingman

I have had the incredible opportunity to oversee a hub of science outreach since 2014 when I became a Buckeye. At the Arne Slettebak Planetarium we create awe inspiring moments and interdisciplinary collaboration. Groups travel across state lines to come to Ohio State for what we offer the nation and the world; the planetarium is a destination for many. We give shows to all age groups and emphasize that everyone can be a scientist or contribute to science no matter their interests. In addition to planetarium shows, we host star parties on the roof of Smith lab for hundreds of people to attend. Some of our long-standing partners in the community are our libraries where we run evening programs with telescopes, long and short talks by experts and answer huge numbers of questions about the wonders of space.