Education and Public Outreach Staff

Barb Gruber is the Director of Education and Public Outreach at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). She leads efforts to connect broad audiences with the excitement and discovery of astronomy. She earned her Ph.D. in Education from George Mason University and has dedicated her career to expanding access to high-quality astronomy education and engagement opportunities. Drawing on her expertise in education, outreach, and workforce development, Dr. Gruber works to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, foster scientific literacy, and broaden participation in astronomy and the STEM fields. She is passionate about ensuring that people from all backgrounds have opportunities to explore, engage with, and contribute to our understanding of the universe.

Bill Saxton is the Senior Animator and Illustrator at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) who specializes in making the invisible universe look cool. Since 2003, Bill has used his unique background—a BFA with a minor in Chemistry—to translate complex astronomical data into "stop-and-stare" visuals for the public. Before turning his talents toward the cosmos at the iconic Green Bank Observatory and NRAO’s Charlottesville headquarters, he built an eclectic portfolio working with clients ranging from Pfizer to country legends like Loretta Lynn and Wynonna Judd. Today, he sits at the intersection of art and science, creating the eye-catching imagery that brings the wonders of deep space to life for audiences everywhere.

Jill Malusky is the Senior News and Public Information Manager and Public Information Officer. She leads the Public Information staff in Education and Public Outreach in sharing stories and multimedia about NRAO's science and people. She also manages requests for media productions and shoots at NRAO telescopes and facilities.

Jeff Hellerman is an Art Director, Designer, and Photographer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, specializing in visual storytelling, brand development, marketing, and translating the science of radio astronomy into compelling visual narratives. He leads creative direction that connects audiences with discovery – blending design, storytelling, and original photography to create engaging experiences to capture both the grandeur of the cosmos and the complex engineering required to build radio astronomy telescopes and arrays. His work ensures a consistent and compelling visual identity for NRAO, bringing clarity, energy, emotion, and authenticity to how the invisible universe is made visible.

Terry Lowry is the Education Program Manager at NRAO, where she develops educational programs, resources, and partnerships that connect students, educators, and communities with the science of radio astronomy. A former classroom teacher, school leader, and technology specialist, Terry enjoys turning complex scientific ideas into engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and discovery. She is passionate about helping educators bring authentic STEM experiences into their classrooms and creating opportunities for learners of all ages to explore the universe.

Dr. Samantha "Sam" Garza got her Astronomy PhD at the University of Washington and for her dissertation work, she researched the atmospheres of galaxies to further our understanding of how galaxies evolve over time. Now as an Education Specialist, she develops STEM resources and programs for K-12 teachers and students. She loves serving the public through outreach, including being lead organizer for Astronomy on Tap Albuquerque, and enjoys traveling throughout New Mexico to work with students.

Melissa Weiss collaborates with scientists and outreach teams to develop visual stories that promote and support radio astronomy. Beyond her work with the NRAO, she is also a visual artist who creates abstract pieces inspired by scientific concepts and imagery. Her creative and professional interests often intersect, driven by a lifelong fascination with science fiction and the connections between art, technology, and discovery.

Paul Vosteen serves as the Public Information & Multimedia Officer at the U.S. National Science Foundation Green Bank Observatory in green Bank, WV. He is a astronomical illustrator - and occasional writer - for NSF Green Bank Observatory and NRAO science releases.

Matt Chauta has been a long winding journey to his current home as the Web Developer for the NRAO public website. He started his education in English and during is Graduate English program he began working as a graphic designer and eventually a web developer. He enjoys game development, playing pickleball, ultimate frisbee and going outdoors with the family.

Bill Montgomery is an active public engagement figure and top fan of the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. Tour guides play a major role in educating the public about the history and capabilities of the observatory as well as supporting polices that protect sensitive radio equipment from electronic interference.

Corrina Jaramillo Feldman is the Senior Public Information Officer in New Mexico for the Very Large Array (VLA), Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) project. Corrina's role in communications and government affairs works to ensure the accessibility of groundbreaking scientific discoveries to diverse communities. With extensive experience in political campaigns, policy analysis, and communications, Corrina combines her passion for science communication with active community engagement through storytelling at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.

Cyprus Van Inwegen is the Public Information Officer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) for the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in Chile. Cyprus is passionate about translating difficult, technical scientific concepts for a public audience—and loves talking about space to anyone who will listen. Before starting this role, she founded and ran the Very Large Array Membership Program which now funds multiple STEM education programs at NRAO. In her free time, she enjoys archery, rock climbing, and crashing open mic nights on work trips.

Drew Maerz is the Supervisor of Education and Public Outreach with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. He leads the Green Bank Observatory education team and oversees the Green Bank Science Center. He earned his Doctor of Education degree at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte. Dr. Maerz is a life-long educator having served as a teacher, administrator, community volunteer, and advocate for STEAM and vocational learning. He is excited to provide enriching learning experiences for visitors to the Observatory.

Montana Williams is the Senior Education Specialist at NRAO in New Mexico, where she leads education and public outreach initiatives that bring astronomy and physics to communities across the state. Montana joined NRAO in 2020 as a tour guide and became Senior Education Specialist in 2025, drawing on firsthand experience connecting visitors with cutting-edge radio astronomy research. Montana is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics, with research focused on imaging classical novae using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Passionate about making science accessible, Montana is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and fostering curiosity about the universe among students throughout New Mexico.

Noreen Prestage has been working for NRAO for about 15 years. She started as a summer guide and moved into a full-time position, becoming the Lead Tour Guide, then Education Assistant and finally Education Specialist. She works with field trips throughout the year and develops new activities. She also has a support role for the Science Center; duties include working in the gift shop and being involved in the general processing of goods as well as housekeeping of stock in the building.

Ray King is an Education Specialist at Green Bank Observatory. Her role includes providing research and educational experiences using the 40-foot and 20-meter telescopes. Ray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from West Virginia University and is excited to bring her skills to the Observatory.

Sophie Saint Georges is the Senior Education Specialist at Green Bank Observatory. She is the director of the state-wide public outreach initiative, WV SPOT, and leads research experiences for student and adult learners using the Observatory's 40’ and 20m radio telescopes. After graduating from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology, Sophie moved to West Virginia to climb rocks and guide whitewater-rafting trips down the New and Gauley Rivers. Her career at the Observatory combines her experience with nature-based education, event programming, group dynamics facilitation, and her passion for science.

Brianne Angell is the Social Media Specialist for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and Green Bank Observatory (GBO). She leads content creation and strategy across NRAO and GBO social media platforms, helping connect global audiences to groundbreaking radio astronomy. Brianne earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from The University of Akron (Akron, Ohio). With prior experience in higher education and non-profit organizations, she brings a versatile approach to digital storytelling and community management. She is passionate about making complex science accessible and engaging to the layperson.