Marc Kuchner

Marc Kuchner is the Citizen Science Officer for NASA's Science Mission Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).12 In this role, he leads NASA's volunteer scientist program, overseeing and promoting citizen science initiatives that allow the public to participate in space-related research and discoveries.23

Professional Background

Kuchner is an accomplished astrophysicist with a diverse set of skills and experiences:

• Astrophysicist: He has conducted research in various areas of astronomy.4
• Author and Speaker: Kuchner has written on scientific topics and gives presentations about NASA's citizen science efforts.3
• Adjunct Professor: He holds a position as an adjunct professor, likely teaching astronomy-related courses.3
• Songwriter: Interestingly, Kuchner is also a songwriter, showcasing his creative side alongside his scientific pursuits.3

Citizen Science Work

As Citizen Science Officer, Kuchner's responsibilities include:

• Overseeing NASA's growing portfolio of citizen science projects.1
• Developing strategies and best practices for citizen science initiatives.1
• Connecting over 2 million citizen scientists with opportunities to make space discoveries.1
• Managing 22 NASA citizen science projects that link the public with scientific research.4

Notable Projects

Kuchner is involved in several citizen science projects, including:

• DiskDetective.org: He serves as the principal investigator for this popular citizen science website.7
• Backyard Worlds: Planet 9: An astronomy-themed project he helps promote.1
• Cool Neighbors: Another citizen science initiative in astronomy.1
• Exoasteroids: An upcoming project in the field of planetary science.1

Born on August 7, 1972, Marc Kuchner continues to be an active voice in the scientific community, frequently engaging with the public through social media and other platforms to promote citizen science and space exploration.56