Shanil Virani

Shanil Virani is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in science communication, education, and academia. Currently serving as Program Coordinator for the Astronomical Society of the Pacific and as an Adjunct Instructor at The George Washington University, Shanil created a unique course exploring ancestral perspectives of the night sky. As the Founder of "Our Island Universe," a weekly NPR segment, Shanil communicates new astronomical discoveries to a broad audience. Previous roles include Science Department Chair at The Knox School, Assistant Professor and Director of the John C. Wells Planetarium at James Madison University, and positions at Harvard & Smithsonian and York University. Educational credentials include a Ph.D. (ABD) in Astronomy from Yale University, alongside a Master's in Astronomy and dual undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Physics, and Mathematics from the University of Waterloo.