Dr. Kristine M. Larsen

Dr. Larsen has been a faculty member at Central Connecticut State University since 1989, where she is currently Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Director of the university honors program. She is the author of two books, Stephen Hawking: A Biography, and Cosmology 101, as well as numerous articles and presentations. Although trained in theoretical physics, her research has focused on astronomy education, the history of women in astronomy, and the use of scientific concepts by fantasy and science fiction writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien. Dr. Larsen is also dedicated to public outreach in astronomy, mainly through the Copernican Observatory and Planetarium at CCSU and her work with the Springfield Telescope Makers in Springfield, Vermont.