Kimberly Arcand

Kimberly Kowal Arcand is a science communicator and the Visualization and Emerging Technology Lead for NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.[1] As visualization lead, Arcand is responsible for using the raw binary data received from the space telescope to create astronomical images and animations of Chandra's new discoveries. She then incorporates these visualizations into various multimedia platforms to use in her presentations, customized to her specific audience. One example of work includes creating a 3D model of Cassiopeia A, "How to Hold a Dead Star in your Hand" alongside a team of astronomers and astrophysicists. She is the principal investigator for the Aesthetics and Astronomy image response project[2] at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics[3] located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Kimberly Kowal Arcand
TEDxProvidence, Rhode Island
"How to Hold a Dead Star in Your Hand"
Born (1975-12-20) December 20, 1975
Warwick, Rhode Island, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Alma materUniversity of Rhode Island
Brown University
Harvard University
Spouse(s)John L. Arcand
Children2
Scientific career
FieldsScience communication
InstitutionsSmithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Websitewww.kimarcand.com

Early life and education

As a child, Arcand wanted to be an astronaut.[4] She studied molecular biology at the University of Rhode Island and also became a developer for the University of Rhode Island Center for Vector-Borne Disease Public Health project.[5] She was awarded a fellowship with the Rhode Island Public Health Partnership to work on lyme disease.[6] Her efforts were recognized; she won an intellectual property invention award.[6] She worked in the University of Rhode Island Department of Computer Science as an instructor between 1997 and 1999.[7] She joined the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and Chandra X-ray Observatory in 1998.[8]

Career
Arcand on This Week in Science in 2016 with Megan Watzke hosted by Kiki Sanford
Arcand inside Brown University YURT, or VR CAVE, during testing of the headset and application.[9]
Listen to this *Fascinating* discussion of Exploring the Universe with NASA's Kim Arcand!

In 2009 Arcand launched From Earth to the Universe with UNESCO, a series of large exhibitions that occurred in 1,000 locations around the world.[6][10] She is Principal Investigator of the Aesthetics and Astronomy image response project at the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.[11] The project launched in 2010 and looks at variations in the presentation of color and scale in astronomical images. They look at how people respond to images, and the misconceptions that non-experts have when they view them.[11] The project began when Randall, Jeffrey, and Lisa F. Smith realized that there was a lot astrophysicists could learn from art about how to present results.[12] The group explored the public perception of astronomical pictures using a survey linked to the NASA Astronomical Picture of the Day site, gaining almost 10,000 responses.[13] She studied briefly at the Harvard University Department between 2000 and 2002[8] In 2013 Arcand earned a Master's degree in Public Humanities from Brown University, focusing on image and meaning research.[14]

She worked closely with UNESCO to celebrate the International Year of Light.[15] It was an open-source exhibition that showcased science based on light.[16] The celebration was supported by SPIE.[15] Using NASA data, Arcand developed a way to 3D print a supernova remnant and virtual reality application.[17][18]

In 2016 the White House selected her as a changemaker at the United State of Women Summit.[19] She wrote about the event for the HuffPost and the United State of Women blog.[20][21] In 2017 she was profiled on Vinita Marwaha Madill's website Rocket Women.[22] She is completing her doctorate at the University of Otago, where she is a member of the Art and Science group.[23] As a science advisor, Kim was welcomed as a board member for the Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA).[24] This non-profit organization takes learning to the next level by stimulating one's creativity through highly interactive exhibits instead of using conventional educational methods. As a technologist, Kim was also selected to serve on the Rhode Island's Tech Collective executive board.[25] As a federal employee, she serves as vice president for the Federally Employed Women, Greater Boston chapter.[26] In 2019, Arcand collaborated with the Smithsonian to launch an interactive website called *Journey through an Exploded Star” 3-D Interactive Experience*[27] as well as producing a video on *How to Be a Scientist: Careers in Astronomy.*[28]

Honors and awards

Arcand has won several awards for her work from NASA and the Smithsonian Institution.

Public engagement
Media appearances
Date Media location Description
March 24, 2016 University of Rhode Island Keynote Speaker, At annual GRRL Tech conference presented by Tech Collective[33]
April 9, 2016 TEDx Prov RI Delivered a talk on "How to Hold a Dead Star in Your Hand" - Kim Arcand discusses how 3D printing has become an important tool in understanding the Universe".[34]
April 18, 2016 Harvard Art Museum Cambridge Science Festival Lightbox Gallery Talk: Coloring the Universe[35]
March 24, 2017 Showcase Cinemas, RI Featured Panelist at Hidden Figures Screening for 400 students and educators presented by Tech Collective, NASA, and P-TECH[36][37]
April 12, 2017 Boston Museum of Science, MA Presented *Beyond the Telescope: A Universe of a Different Color*[38]
June 29, 2017 GoLocalProv RI GoLocal Providence Molly O'Brien interviews Kim Arcand about Space Exploration, Black Holes, World Asteroid Day and the upcoming Solar Eclipse[39]
September 7, 2017 Columbia State College Presented at the Pryor Art Gallery Announces LIGHT: Beyond The Bulb Exhibit on *Coloring the Universe.*[40]
October 10, 2017 United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, NY Speaker at the United Nations Expert Meeting on Space for Women *Holding the Universe: The importance of improving spatial reasoning skills in girls and women for STEM success through open access, data-centered 3D strategies.*[41]
January

9–12, 2018

 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

National Harbor, MD

 Presented at the AAS 231, Winter 2018 - NASA's Science Communication *Hyperwall*
March 15–16, 2018 Library of Congress

Washington, D.C.

Speaker at the Symposium to Explore Scientific Illustration from Renaissance to Digital Age, thematic panel *The Heavens.*[42]
April 7, 2018 D.C. Science Writers Assoc Washington, D.C. Plenary Speaker, DC Science Writers Association. DC.[43]
May 2, 2018 Fenway Park, MA Presenter at Boston Red Sox STEM Day, Jumbotron[44][45]
June 18, 2018 NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory JPL, Women in STEM June 2018 - Invited Speaker[46]
April 5, 2019 StarTalk Radio Cosmic Queries X-ray Astrophysics, Season 10 Episode 14, StarTalk Radio, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice interview StarTalk guest Kimberly Arcand, Visualization and Emerging Technology Lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to answer questions on X-ray astrophysics and more.[47]
April 22, 2019 Smithsonian How to Be a Scientist: Careers in Astronomy - As a NASA Scientist, Arcand talks about being a role model and inspiring young girls in the sciences. Yes! mommy's can be scientists too! Kim also talks about her work as a data interpreter conveying the science of the Chandra X-ray Observatory to the public as well as mentoring students.

Publications

Co-authored

Arcand has written several popular science books. Her book Colouring the Universe was selected by Cosmos as one of the Top Illustrated Science Books of 2016.[48] She collaborates with Megan Watzke and Travis Rector, Ph.D..[49] Her book Light: The Visible Spectrum and Beyond was selected by forbes as one of the Top 10 Gifts of 2016.[50]

  • 2017 Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe (with Megan Watzke)[51]
  • 2015 Colouring the Universe: An Insider's Guide to Making Spectacular Images of Space (with Travis Rector and Megan Watzke )[52]
  • 2015 Light: The Visible Spectrum and Beyond (with Megan Watzke) [53]
  • 2013 Your Ticket to the Universe: A Guide To Exploring the Cosmos (with Megan Watzke)[54]

Selected academic works
  • Arcand, K. K.; Jiang, E.; Price, S.; Watzke, M.; Sgouros, T.; Edmonds, P. (12/2018). Walking Through an Exploded Star: Rendering Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A into Virtual Reality. CAP Journal Volume 1, Issue 24 (2018): 17 arXiv:1812.06237[55]
  • Arcand, K. K.; Jiang, E.; Price, S.; Watzke, M.; Sgouros, T.; Edmonds, P. (10/2018). Walking Through an Exploded Star: Rendering Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A into Virtual Reality. CAP Journal, Volume 24, p. 17, Bibcode 2018CAPJ...24...17A [56]
  • Lisa F. Smith, Kimberly K. Arcand, Randall K. Smith, Jay Bookbinder and Jeffrey K. Smith. (November 21, 2017 ). Capturing the many faces of an exploded star: communicating complex and evolving astronomical data Bibcode 2018CAPJ...24...17A doi 10.22323/2.16050202 [57]
  • Arcand, K.; Megan, W.; DePasquale, J.; Jubett, A.; Edmonds, P.; DiVona, K. (09/2017). Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal, Volume 22, p. 14 Bibcode 2017CAPJ...22...14A[58]
  • Arcand K., Watzke, M., DePasquale, J., Edmonds, P., *Bringing Cosmic Objects Down to Earth: An Overview of 3D Modelling and Printing in Astronomy and Astronomy Communication* Issue 22, p. 14.[59]
  • Arcand K., Watzke, M. (09/2017) "Pioneering Paths to the Universe" PanEuropean Networks: Science & Technology, issue 24, p128.[60]
  • Rector, T., Levay, Z., Frattare, L., Arcand, K.K., Watzke, M. (03/ 2017) "The Aesthetics of Astrophysics: How to Make Appealing Color-Composite Images that Convey the Science" Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific doi 10.1088/1538-3873/aa5457[61]
  • Lisa F. Smith, Jeffrey K. Smith, Kimberly K. Arcand, Randall K. Smith, Jay Bookbinder, Kelly Keach (09/2010) *Aesthetics and Astronomy: Studying the Public's Perception and Understanding of Imagery from Space* Science Communication Journal doi 10.1177/1075547010379579 [62]

Selected print and web

References
  1. "Chandra X-ray Observatory". doi:10.1036/1097-8542.801990. hdl:2060/20010020257. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. "About | Aesthetics & Astronomy". astroart.cfa.harvard.edu. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
  3. "Harvard?Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics", The Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics, IOP Publishing Ltd, 2001, CiteSeerX 10.1.1.248.447, doi:10.1888/0333750888/4206, ISBN 978-0333750889
  4. "Kimberly Kowal Arcand - Carnegie STEM Girls". Carnegie STEM Girls. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  5. "TickEncounter Resource Center > About > Our Team". tickencounter.org. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  6. "Women in the High-Energy Universe: Kim Arcand | ChandraBlog | Fresh Chandra News". chandra.harvard.edu. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  7. "Kimberly Arcand". fabfems.org. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  8. "Kimberly Arcand". Kimberly Arcand & Megan Watzke. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  9. "Meet A Rocket Woman: Kim Kowal Arcand, Science Visualization Lead, NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory & Author – Rocket Women". rocket-women.com. December 10, 2017. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  10. "From Earth to the Universe Exhibition". www.fromearthtotheuniverse.org. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  11. "About | Aesthetics & Astronomy". astroart.cfa.harvard.edu. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  12. "Scientific research, artfully shown". Harvard Gazette. September 22, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  13. Smith, Lisa F.; Smith, Jeffrey K.; Arcand, Kimberly K.; Smith, Randall K.; Bookbinder, Jay; Keach, Kelly (August 18, 2010). "Aesthetics and Astronomy: Studying the Public's Perception and Understanding of Imagery From Space". Science Communication. 33 (2): 201–238. arXiv:1009.0772. doi:10.1177/1075547010379579. hdl:10523/6961. ISSN 1075-5470.
  14. Arcand, Kimberly K.; Watzke, Megan; Rector, Travis; Levay, Zoltan G.; DePasquale, Joseph; Smarr, Olivia (August 8, 2013). "Processing Color in Astronomical Imagery". Studies in Media and Communication. 1 (2): 25–34. arXiv:1308.5237. Bibcode:2013arXiv1308.5237A. doi:10.11114/smc.v1i2.198. ISSN 2325-808X.
  15. Chandra X-ray Observatory (October 13, 2015), Light Beyond the Bulb: Bent Light in Space, retrieved November 14, 2018
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  20. "Coding (and Coloring) the Universe - The United State of Women". The United State of Women. July 27, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  21. Arcand, Kimberly K. (July 6, 2016). "We Got This". Huffington Post. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  22. "Meet A Rocket Woman: Kim Kowal Arcand, Science Visualization Lead, NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory & Author – Rocket Women". rocket-women.com. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  23. Otago, University of. "Art of science". www.otago.ac.nz. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  24. "About Us | RIMOSA". rimosa.org. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
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  28. Smithsonian Education (2019-04-22), How to Be a Scientist: Careers in Astronomy, retrieved 2019-05-03
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  39. GoLocal LIVE (June 29, 2017), Kim Arcand, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, retrieved November 19, 2018
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  50. Siegel, Ethan. "Top 10 Gifts For Lovers Of Outer Space". Forbes. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  51. Megan., Watzke (2018). Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe. Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc. ISBN 9780316502917. OCLC 1016916313.
  52. results, search; Arcand, Kimberly; results, search (November 15, 2015). Coloring the Universe: An Insider's Look at Making Spectacular Images of Space. Fairbanks: University of Alaska Press. ISBN 9781602232730.
  53. Arcand, Kimberly; results, search (November 26, 2015). Light: The Visible Spectrum and Beyond. New York, NY: Black Dog & Leventhal. ISBN 9781631910067.
  54. ARCAND, KIMBERLY K. (April 2, 2013). Your Ticket to the Universe: A Guide to Exploring the Cosmos. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Books. ISBN 9781588343758.
  55. Arcand, Kimberly K.; Jiang, Elaine; Price, Sara; Watzke, Megan; Sgouros, Tom; Edmonds, Peter (December 15, 2018). "Walking Through an Exploded Star: Rendering Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A into Virtual Reality". Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal. 24: 17. arXiv:1812.06237. Bibcode:2018CAPJ...24...17A.
  56. K., Arcand, K.; E., Jiang; S., Price; M., Watzke; T., Sgouros; P., Edmonds (October 2018). "Walking Through an Exploded Star: Rendering Supernova Remnant Cassiopeia A into Virtual Reality". Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal. 24: 17. arXiv:1812.06237. Bibcode:2018CAPJ...24...17A.
  57. Smith, Lisa; Arcand, Kimberly; Smith, Randall; Bookbinder, Jay; Smith, Jeffrey (November 21, 2017). "Capturing the many faces of an exploded star: communicating complex and evolving astronomical data". Journal of Science Communication. 16 (5). doi:10.22323/2.16050202. ISSN 1824-2049.
  58. K., Arcand; W., Megan; J., DePasquale; A., Jubett; P., Edmonds; K., DiVona (2017). "Bringing Cosmic Objects Down to Earth: An Overview of 3D Modelling and Printing in Astronomy and Astronomy Communication". Communicating Astronomy with the Public Journal. 22: 14. Bibcode:2017CAPJ...22...14A.
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  60. "SciTech Europa Quarterly". edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
  61. Rector, Travis A.; Levay, Zoltan G.; Frattare, Lisa M.; Arcand, Kimberly K.; Watzke, Megan (May 1, 2017). "The Aesthetics of Astrophysics: How to Make Appealing Color-Composite Images that Convey the Science". Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. 129 (975): 058007. arXiv:1703.00490. Bibcode:2017PASP..129e8007R. doi:10.1088/1538-3873/aa5457. ISSN 0004-6280.
  62. Smith, Lisa F.; Smith, Jeffrey K.; Arcand, Kimberly K.; Smith, Randall K.; Bookbinder, Jay; Keach, Kelly (September 3, 2010). "Aesthetics and Astronomy: Studying the public's perception and understanding of non-traditional imagery from space". Science Communication. 33 (2): 201–238. arXiv:1009.0772. Bibcode:2010arXiv1009.0772S. doi:10.1177/1075547010379579. ISSN 1075-5470.
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