Stephen Pompea is an internationally known leader in science education with broad experience in formal and informal education program design as well as in optical systems engineering and astronomical instrumentation. He was named NOAO’s first Observatory Scientist and served as the U.S. Project Director for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 and as chair of the U.S. working group on telescope kits for IYA2009 that created the Galileoscope. He has served as PI or Co-PI on 10 major National Science Foundation innovation projects for improving science education, published over 135 papers, and has given over 390 presentations and workshops.

His specialty areas include:

• Astronomy and optics education program design

• Science education exhibit and instructional materials development

• Science communication and engagement strategies, especially for groups underrepresented in STEM

• Optical system design and analysis, stray light, and optical materials