BRENDAN MULLAN
124 Longmeadow Lane, State College, PA 16803, (716) 725–3288, mullan@astro.psu.edu
Objective: Position in science education and public outreach
EDUCATION AND HONORS
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, Ph.D., Astronomy, graduation planned August 2013
NASA Famelab science communication national champion (2012)
International Famelab finalist (top ten worldwide; 2012)
National Geographic 2013 Emerging Explorer
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, M.S., Astronomy, 2010
NASA Pennsylvania Spacegrant fellow (2009–2011)
Zaccheus Daniel fellow (2010–2011)
Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, B.A., Physics, 2007
Physics and Astronomy Department Founders Award for outstanding progress and achievement (2007)
Dean’s List for Academic Excellence (2003-2007)
SPECIAL SKILLS
Outreach
Achieved recognition as a leading early-career science communicator worldwide through the Famelab and
Emerging Explorers programs. Designed, organized, and/or performed dozens of different visualization and
kinesthetic activities in astronomy and astrobiology for all age groups. Coordinated outreach programs for
Penn State Astronomy. Developed and directed curricula for middle school summer camps in astrobiology.
Science Writing
Wrote academic papers, informal blog posts, encyclopedia entries, and news articles on science topics. Covered
developments in astronomy, astrobiology, biology, psychology, neuroscience, materials science, and nordic skiing.
Wrote press releases for outreach activities at Penn State. Trained in AP style journalism.
Teaching
Independently developed and taught an introductory college course in astronomy. Lectured for nonmajor
lab classes, and developed new lab modules in extragalactic astronomy. Assisted with teaching of several
introductory and intermediate-level classes in physics and astronomy. Managed and edited a 700-person online
astronomy webcourse, and consulted in the development of an interactive, game-based webcourse.
Computer Experience
Operating systems: Mac OS 7-10, Linux, Unix, Microsoft Windows. Software/Programming: UNIX shell
scripting; IRAF, IDL, AIPS, Ds9, TEX (LATEX, BibTEX), ImageJ, Gimp/Photoshop, Microsoft Office, Open
Office, iWork. Outreach Technology: Spitz Nova III planetarium, Geowall projector system, Digital Universe
Atlas software, Stellarium, World Wide Telescope, Google Earth/Sky, Starry Night, Partiview, social media.
EMPLOYMENT AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Camp Director and Instructor, Science U program, Eberly College of Science, The Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA, 2012–2013
Outreach Coordinator and Specialist Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 2007– present (coordinated 2009)
Teaching Associate Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
PA, 2011
Teaching Assistant Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park,
PA, 2007–2009; 2012–2013
Teaching Assistant Department of Physics and Astronomy, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY, 2005–2007
Science Writer Penn State Research Communications, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 2009
Freelance Science Writer 2007–present
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Society of Physics Students
American Astronomical Society
Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society