Aomawa Shields

Aomawa Shields, helpdesk operator for Spitzer Science User Support Team, is the cohost of a new pilot TV show called Wired Science, which is produced by KCET in association with Wired Magazine. The one-hour show has a news-magazine-style format that will highlight some of the latest innovations in science and technology, including biomedicine, space exploration, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and robotics. It will premiere on PBS nationwide on Wednesday, January 3, at 8 p.m.

Shields also recently contributed an essay entitled "Universe: The Sequel" in the newly published anthology, She's Such a Geek: Women Write about Science, Technology, & Other Nerdy Stuff, from Seal Press, available at Amazon.com.

How did Shields develop such a diverse affinity for science and acting? When she was 12 years old, she saw the movie Space Camp, and it was at that point she decided she wanted to pursue astronomy as her life-long ambition. She attended Phillips Exeter Academy where she began her studies of astronomy and science. Subsequently, she attended MIT and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences.

But during high school, she also realized that she enjoyed acting; so she decided to pursue this passion as well, and attended UCLA, graduating in 2001 with her MFA in acting.

A proficient violinist, Shields has appeared with singer Brian McKnight on the Donny and Marie Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and on the 2000 American Music Awards. Also a screenwriter and actress, Shields appeared in the film Nine Lives, starring Holly Hunter and Sissy Spacek.

Shields says, "I thought I'd left the astronomy community for good, but when I found out about the job at the Spitzer Science Center helping out with the mission of the Spitzer Space Telescope, I knew it was the job for me! My life is very full, and I feel lucky and proud to spend a good deal of it at the Spitzer Science Center." And the KCET Wired Science cohost spot is the perfect blend of her love for both science and acting.