UO Chemistry and Biochemistry Lab Preparator Autumn Bradley has written a children’s book designed to get young children thinking about careers in science.

Astrophysicist Akimie is the first edition for the Science Starters Collection, a series dedicated to expanding how children might answer the question, “What will you be when you grow up?”

Autumn’s interest in science began at a young age, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to understand the world around her. Her books seek to kindle and support a similar enthusiasm for science in grade school students, and to counteract the obstacles and stereotypes she faced as she pursued her own career in the sciences.

Astrophysicist Akimie employs a rhyming narrative to take the reader on an exploration of the nature of the universe and the formation of galaxies, stars and planets. In addition, the book contains a Science Behind the Rhymes section, providing easy-to-understand answers to frequently asked questions, and a page describing a typical day in the life of an astrophysicist, and how to become one.

Autumn’s Science Starters project began with an idea to interview women with interesting jobs in scientific fields, and share what she learned with her readers. Last summer, she contacted female astrophysicists at UCLA, Yale and Oregon State University, attended a class about the formation of galaxies, and began working with her illustrator, UO undergrad student Meg Quinn. Astrophysicist Akimie was published on October 14, 2016.  Autumn is currently working on the second book in the series, Astrobiologist Aurora, which she plans to publish in next spring.

by Leah O’Brien