Laura Jean Checki is a science communicator and founder of Interstellar Inspirations, LLC. She is known for transforming complex scientific ideas into engaging and accessible experiences that inspire curiosity across all ages and backgrounds.
Laura Jean has delivered more than 2,000 NASA-affiliated lectures and outreach programs, reaching over 250,000 people nationwide. Her work spans astronomy, environmental science, and public science literacy, with a strong emphasis on inclusive education and Universal Instructional Design (UID) to ensure science is accessible to everyone.
A member of the Explorers Club and a longtime NASA Solar System Ambassador Master Teacher and NASA Solar System Ambassador, she has collaborated with NASA programs and science institutions to promote inclusive science engagement. She also serves as an Environmental Specialist Educational Programs, and a Clean Communities Coordinator for the County of Bergen, where she develops public science initiatives and teacher training programs.
Her career bridges research, public outreach, and motivational speaking. Her background includes the American Museum of Natural History, the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Program, the NASA Museum Alliance Master Educator Program, and partnerships with Goddard Space Flight Center, all focused on expanding access to STEM learning.
Laura Jean Checki was also featured by NASA for mentoring the next generation of space educators through the Solar System Ambassador program.
Laura Jean also brings experience in community leadership and organizational strategy, having served in a local campaign management role and providing team-building workshops for organizations.
Through lectures, workshops, and public programs, Laura Jean helps audiences connect with science in meaningful and memorable ways — turning curiosity into connection while inspiring wonder and igniting change.
She also designs and guides astronomy, environmental science, and accessibility-focused STEM programming for science and environmental education centers, supporting public engagement initiatives connected to major regional and international events.
Recognition
Innovation Award — 2013
Awarded by the Challenger Center for Space Science Education for No Star Out of Reach, an accessible astronomy program developed by Laura Jean Checki and implemented at the Buehler Challenger & Science Center, where it continues to be used.
Why Book Laura Jean Checki
• Complex ideas made clear — Laura translates difficult scientific and philosophical concepts into practical insights audiences can understand and apply.
• A unique interdisciplinary perspective — Blending science, exploration, personal experience, and spherical thinking, Laura encourages audiences to approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives.
• Engaging, thought-provoking presentations — Programs spark curiosity, inspire resilience, and leave audiences thinking differently about the world around them.