Shannon Schmoll

Shannon Schmoll is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Michigan State University and serves as the Planetarium Manager for Abrams Planetarium. She holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Science Education from the University of Michigan (2013). Her work bridges academic instruction with public science engagement through planetarium operations.

Research Interests:
Schmoll specializes in astronomy education, planetarium accessibility, and audience engagement strategies. Her research includes:

• Developing inclusive planetarium experiences for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing communities
• Measuring audience interest in virtual vs. in-person astronomy education
• Innovating learning models like the Dome+ framework
• Evaluating collaborative projects such as Big Astronomy
• Adapting science museums during crises like COVID-19

Publication Trends:
Her 15 most recent publications (2013-2025) demonstrate consistent focus on accessibility, audience research, and planetarium innovation. Key themes include captioning systems for the Deaf, hybrid engagement models during the pandemic, and tools for measuring educational impact. Her work frequently emphasizes community partnerships and scalable outreach solutions.