Samantha Gorney
Director of Education
Samantha Gorney leads Lowell Observatory’s outreach team and oversees its programs. She is a principal member of the group designing the experiences guests will enjoy in Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center, slated to open in 2024.
Gorney, who began participating in Lowell’s outreach programs at the age of four, officially joined the staff in 2009. Before stepping into her current role, she served as Educator, Supervisor, Education Coordinator, and Outreach Manager. She also spent several years working as a research assistant under the direction of Dr. David Schleicher. As Education Coordinator, Gorney designed and launched the Lowell Observatory Camps for Kids (LOCKs) – Preschool program and developed many of the lessons associated with the LOCKs – Elementary School camps.
Gorney graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in applied mathematics.