Christopher Palma

Christopher Palma is a Teaching Professor and the Associate Department Head for Outreach in the Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the Pennsylvania State University Park campus in State College, PA. From 2019-2023, he served as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Students in the Eberly College of Science at Penn State. His academic career spans teaching, educational research, and extensive outreach activities focused on astronomy education and public engagement.

His research interests center on astronomy education, with particular focus on developing learning progressions for understanding Solar System formation. Palma has made significant contributions to teacher professional development through the NSF Earth and Space Science Partnership and has created innovative courses including ASTRO 150 on dark skies/quiet skies (approved in spring 2025) and Astronomy 401: Fundamentals of Planetary Science. His educational research has examined student conceptions about how astronomers study the Solar System and developed frameworks for understanding planetary formation.

Palma's publication record shows a strong focus on both educational research and public science communication. His recent work spans solar observation technology, planetary formation theories, cultural astronomy, and science policy related to light pollution. Notably, he has bridged academic research with public engagement through articles in The Conversation and collaborations with media outlets like Weather World.

His outreach activities are extensive, including management of the Davey Lab Planetarium (recently upgraded to a full dome video projection system), leadership of telescope observing programs, advising student astronomy clubs, and organizing the annual AstroFest. Palma has been instrumental in developing a vision for a new planetarium and immersive visualization theater at the Penn State Arboretum.

As an educator, Palma has developed multiple astronomy courses for diverse audiences, from introductory courses for general education students to specialized content for pre-service teachers. His work with the CAPER team on astronomy lab manuals using backwards faded scaffolding demonstrates his commitment to evidence-based pedagogy. Palma's professional service includes leadership roles with the Pennsylvania Earth Science Teacher's Association and the Penn State In-Service Workshops in Astronomy, which he directed from 2002-2019 and resumed leading in 2024.