Marianne Dyson

Marianne Jakmides Dyson

Award-winning Children's Author & former Flight Controller

Can you find the six Apollo landing sites on the Moon? Do you know why everything floats in space? (Hint: it's NOT because there isn't any gravity!) Are you wondering if space offers any opportunities for you?Whether you want to encourage students to study science and math or are just curious about the history or future of space exploration, I'd love to speak to your students, patrons, or special event attendees.

Space Motivates Achievement

I know because it worked for me. I was so determined to be part of the space program that I worked extra hard to get good grades, especially in math. Even though I got a C in my first physics course, my interest in space drove me to keep trying until I got Bs and then As. I stayed in school and was the first woman in my family to graduate from college, earning a degree in physics cum laude. I became one of the first ten women flight controllers, working as a NASA Flight Activities Officer in Mission Control. I left NASA to raise my children and transitioned into a second career as a writer and speaker.

I offer programs (see Author Visits tab) for all ages, from 15-minute keynote speeches to 9-week mini-courses (taught through CCISD's WAVE program) in astronomy and space. I'm also an experienced technical editor and expert science fact-checker (see Book Reviews) available by the hour or book series. Based in Houston, Texas, I'll travel to your location and also consider online chats and SKYPE interviews on space and writing topics.

Contact me by e-mail or phone or drop by my Facebook page. Samples of my photos and writing are available on this site (see About, Books, and Writing tabs) and also via Amazon and Kindle (see Book Orders). Thank you for your interest in my work. I look forward to "sharing space" with you in the future!