San Francisco, California – October 17, 2024.
The ASP is exited to announce Hakeem Oluseyi, astrophysicist, award-winning author and journalist, internationally recognized STEM educator, and inspiring science communicator, as Chief Executive Officer, effective November.
Oluseyi earned his BS in Physics and Mathematics from Tougaloo College and MS and PhD Degrees in Physics from Stanford University launching him into a decades-long career of a uniquely professional blend of academic achievements, innovative research, inspired leadership, and entrepreneurial success.
His academic prowess has resulted in cutting-edge astrophysics research and technology development resulting in eleven U.S. and E.U. patents, including technologies for constructing semiconductor devices used worldwide. As a recent Visiting Robinson Professor at George Mason University, he taught undergraduate courses while also holding an affiliation at Princeton University, where he associated with the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) satellite’s science and communications teams. Oluseyi’s research has resulted in over 100 scientific publications including contributions to astrophysics, cosmology, and plasma physics as well as the development of space missions, observatories, and ion propulsion.
As a leader and international STEM educator, Oluseyi has been Space Science Education Manager for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate as well as President of the National Society of Black Physicists. He has an impressive record of performing diplomatic missions for the U.S. Department of State in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Algeria, and South Africa. As interim founding President of the African Astronomical Society he helped establish the organization’s structure and initial funding and successfully advocated continent-wide buy-in across Africa’s diverse scientific communities and governments.
An award-winning science journalist, Oluseyi has been nominated for a News Emmy and won four Webby awards. He is also a renowned science communicator and inspirational speaker. He has gained recognition for his award-winning books, engaging public lectures, and international TV science shows, including How the Universe Works, Baking Impossible, PBS NOVA, and many more. He has demonstrated a keen ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, fostering an appreciation for connections among science, technology, education, and society. He has brought the wonders of the universe and scientific process to millions and solidified himself as a vital advocate for science literacy.
As the author of the critically acclaimed, award-winning memoir “A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Streets to the Stars” Oluseyi shares his story of overcoming class and race barriers to become a leading astrophysicist, educator, and advocate. His commitment to disseminating astronomical knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring diverse individuals to engage with the wonders of the universe, will create and foster the ASP’s public outreach and education mission. As Oluseyi so eloquently confirmed, “a cause that is not only personally significant to me but is also vital for the future advancement of our discipline”.
About the ASP
The ASP is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to use astronomy to increase the understanding and appreciation of science and to advance science and science literacy. The ASP connects scientists, educators, amateur astronomers and the public together to learn about astronomical research, improve astronomy education, and share resources that engage learners of all kinds in the excitement and adventure of scientific discovery. Current ASP programs and initiatives support college faculty, K-12 science teachers, amateur astronomy clubs, science museums, libraries, park rangers, and girl scouts to name a few.
