MacDirectory Magazine

Pavel Prokopev

MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.

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Kirsten was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some of MacDirectory’s questions: MD: When you create your TikToks, do you have a viewer in mind you feel that you’re talking to? @astrokirsten: When I create my TikToks I imagine I’m on a tour at Sydney Observatory and speaking to a group of people who are super interested in space, just like me. I used to love presenting tours at the observatory and that is the kind of energy I put into my performances on TikTok, just like I’m performing for a tour. MD: What was it that inspired your fascination with science? Was there a particular moment or event in your life that set you on the path? @astrokirsten: I remember the moment like it was yesterday. I was in High School and my science teachers took my entire year group on an excursion to see a documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope on a massive movie screen. In that moment, seeing those incredible images of stars, galaxies, and nebulae, taken by this phenomenal telescope, I knew that I needed to learn more about the mysteries of our Universe. MD: Can you offer any advice or inspiration for students who may have some fear of entering such a male-dominated field of science? @astrokirsten: I’ve never really struggled with being in a male-dominated field, but I think that’s largely attributed to the mentors I’ve had throughout my academic career. Both my honors and PhD supervisors are incredible women in astrophysics, who have supported me through the good times and the tough times. So, my advice is to find a good mentor who you can trust and feel safe with in the field. MD: Is there a particular scientist that you look up to as an inspiration role model for your work? What about as a science communicator? @astrokirsten: For me, my science communication idol has always been Brian Cox. I admire the way he explains complex topics in a way that everyone can understand while also being incredibly poetic. Nowadays, I have many role models that I look up to, many of them are my peers. Other great communicators like @stellerarts and @astro_alexandra on TikTok among many more! MD: How had being a descendant of the Wiradjuri people impacted your study of space and astrophysics? @astrokirsten: Learning about my culture has opened my eyes up further when it comes to the night sky! There is so much more knowledge out there that has existed for tens of thousands of years and it inspires me to work harder and continue to learn more about the universe.

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