Network for Outreach and Vocation in Astronomy LLC
About Us
Mission Statement
The Network for Outreach and Vocation in Astronomy (NOVA) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible community within the field of astronomy. We strive to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create opportunities for aspiring scientists of all backgrounds. NOVA is committed to showing that astronomy (and science as a whole) is not an isolated pursuit but a collaborative and welcoming field where everyone belongs.
Goals
Build Community
Cultivate a strong network where aspiring and professional astronomers can connect, collaborate, and support each other.
De-Stigmatize the Field
Disprove the myth that astronomy is an “out-of-reach”, exclusive or isolating career by showcasing the teamwork, passion, and diversity within the field.
Increase Accessibility
Provide resources, mentorship, and outreach programs to make astronomy more approachable for individuals from all backgrounds.
Empower the Next Generation
Inspire and equip students with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to pursue careers in astronomy and related sciences.
Advocate for Inclusivity
Promote diverse voices in astronomy and work toward a more equitable and welcoming scientific community.
Support Science Movements
Support issues on federal, state, and local levels that are directly relevant to astronomy and the science field (i.e science funding).
Meet The Team
Backstory
Founder, Kristina Gatto, made history by becoming one of the first astrophysics students at Siena College. Early on in her journey, she recognized the unique privilege of being the “first” for something and felt a deep responsibility to leave a lasting impact. Determined to create a legacy, she set out to build something meaningful for future students.
Back in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristina began her freshman year of college. While taking introductory physics and astronomy courses and starting her first research projects, she also had the chance to explore the night sky with the campus telescope and experience the joy of the observatory. But, she quickly realized that only physics and astronomy students had the privilege of accessing the observatory, something she felt was too magical not to be shared with everyone. That’s when the idea of starting an astronomy club was born, creating a way for the entire campus to experience the excitement and joy of the night sky from the telescope.
Both students and faculty alike loved the idea, and after months of work developing and advocating for the club, the Astronomy Club at Siena College officially came to life! They hosted countless star parties for all kinds of occasions and the club quickly grew unto a campus favorite. What started as a simple idea quickly became something much bigger, leaving a lasting impact and making astronomy more accessible to everyone, both on campus and beyond.
"I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in astronomy, specifically in research, but it wasn’t until college that I discovered a deep passion for outreach. After four years of involvement in outreach at Siena through the Astronomy Club, the Physics and Astronomy Department, and Admissions, I came to truly understand its importance and impact. I realized that my work in outreach wasn’t finished.
Wanting to expand my efforts beyond campus, I decided to establish a social media presence (@astrokristina on TikTok) just to see how far I could get with online outreach. To my complete shock, it exceeded every expectation I had. Not only did my content gain traction, but I started receiving messages from people, many younger than me, seeking advice on how to start their journeys in astronomy, whether in high school or college. After spending time chatting with them, I noticed a pattern: most had the same questions, the same concerns, and the same uncertainties. That’s when I took it upon myself to create a Discord server, a space where I could answer questions more efficiently while also fostering a supportive community of astronomers and aspiring scientists.
At first, I expected only a handful of people to join. But once again, to my COMPLETE shock, the server grew to over 2,500 members in less than six months and became a thriving, supportive community. Meanwhile, my social media presence also skyrocketed, surpassing 10,000 followers in under eight months. Having these platforms completely transformed my life and ultimately inspired me to create NOVA.
Through these experiences, I heard so many personal stories from people eager to pursue astronomy, stories that filled me with passion and reinforced my purpose. As someone who was heavily discouraged from pursuing astronomy myself, I know firsthand how isolating and disheartening that can feel. I never want anyone else to experience that same doubt or discouragement. So, I took all of that, the passion, the inspiration, and the drive, and poured it into NOVA. My vision for NOVA is to create a space that encourages, uplifts, and supports aspiring astronomers and scientists, giving them not only the resources they need but also a community where they truly belong." - Kristina