MICHELLE THALLER
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About Dr. Michelle Thaller
Dr. Michelle Thaller is a renowned American astronomer, astrophysicist, and NASA science communicator. She brings astronomy, space exploration, and climate science to life through documentaries, podcasts, public talks, and media appearances.
She earned her PhD in astrophysics from Georgia State University, specializing in binary star evolution after completing her undergraduate studies at Harvard. Starting as a research scientist, she later moved into full-time science communication.
At NASA, she has served in key leadership roles, including Assistant Director for Science Communication at Goddard Space Flight Center and Manager of the Spitzer Space Telescope’s Education and Public Outreach program. Her work has appeared on major media platforms such as The Science Channel, History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic, and NPR.
A passionate advocate for science literacy, she speaks internationally about curiosity, creativity, and humanity’s connection to the cosmos.
Video credits to We Are Dead Stars | Michelle Thaller | TEDxBaltimore
Michelle Thaller: Dancing With The Stars
Dr. Michelle Thaller finds dance partners across time and space. She loves to study binary stars and the life cycles of the stars. In her off-hours, Michelle often puts on about 30 lbs of Elizabethan garb and performs intricate Renaissance dances.
A Noted Public Speaker
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Exploring the Invisible Universe with NASA’s Michelle Thaller
How does the James Webb Space Telescope reveal hidden parts of the Universe? And what can infrared light show us that our eyes can’t see? Join Dr. Michelle Thaller, astrophysicist and former NASA science communicator, for an exciting Christmas Lecture exploring the invisible Universe
Space leaves scientists in the “dark”
The beauty of the universe and dark matter in “Dark Matter: We’re Not Made of the Same Stuff the Universe Is.” She captivated the audiences with several pictures of deep space.
Michelle Thaller Maniac Lecture, March 22, 2017
Dr. Michelle Thaller, an Astronomer and Deputy Director of Science for Communications at NASA Headquarters, presented a Maniac lecture entitled, "Emotional Science.” As a science communicator, for years, Michelle has watched audiences, large and small, respond to science talks. All too often, she has watched the most fascinating, awe-inspiring images and discoveries fail to even keep an audience awake.
3 wonders of the universe, explained
Michelle Thaller, an astronomer and Assistant Director for Science Communication at NASA, is here to clear up the misconceptions and explain why atoms don't actually look that way, why the Big Bang is a misnomer, and why the speed of light is more than just really fast.
Why working at NASA is amazing
With over 100 active science missions, from the Hubble Space Telescope to studying ice shifts on Earth, working at NASA can be a dream come true for any astronomer or astrophysicist.
NASA's Local Star: Michelle Thaller recalls childhood in southeast Wisconsin
Michelle Thaller studies the stars as a NASA astrophysicist. She knows the ins and outs of many recent NASA missions, including when the James Webb Space Telescope captured beautiful new images, giving the world a look back in time.
NASA | Siding Spring live shot with Michelle Thaller
Michelle Thaller talks about the close encounter between Mars and Comet Siding Spring at the Oct 17, 2014 liveshot. This is a canned interview.
Finding Our Way in the Dark (Matter and Energy)
Dr Michelle Thaller, Assistant Director of Science at the Goddard Space Flight Center, discusses the latest developments in astrophysics in a presentation to the staff of the American Geophysical Union on 13 September 2011.
Enemy Mine (Spaceship Spitzer)
While in battle around the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, Dr. Michelle teaches IR-1 the science behind these giant singularities.
Communication and Consulting
Dr. Thaller provides expert consulting services across science communication, astronomy, and space exploration. With decades of experience at NASA and a deep understanding of how to translate complex science into clear messaging, she supports organizations, educators, media producers, and innovators seeking authoritative scientific guidance.
Science communication strategy for institutions, museums, and educational programs
Content review and scientific accuracy consulting for documentaries, film, television, podcasts, and digital media
Speaking and presentation coaching for scientists, educators, and leaders
Advising on outreach, public engagement, and mission communication for science and technology projects
Collaborations on storytelling, curriculum development, and public science initiatives