Hero image representing the Buhl Planetarium project — Image courtesy of Carnegie Science Center

Buhl Planetarium: UX Design, Digital Storytelling & Interactive Media

Explore how I blended interactive media, UX design, and digital storytelling to bring astronomy education to life at the Buhl Planetarium.

Carnegie Science Center Buhl Planetarium, Pittsburgh, PA

Role: Informal Science Education & Production Intern

Focus: Informal Education · Digital Storytelling · Astronomy · Digistar Show Programming · 3D Animation

Contributions

Planetarium Storytelling & Show Development

Refined astronomy presentations and scripts, blending scientific research with visual storytelling.
Developed dome visuals using the Digistar programming system, choreographing transitions and celestial motion for immersive storytelling.

Informal Education & Public Programs

Assisted in telescope-based “Skywatch” events, guiding guests through live stargazing and constellation mythologies.
Facilitated hands-on learning and accessible conversations for audiences of all ages, such as star formation and spectroscopy.

Visual Content & Social Media

Assisted in creating short-form science content for digital outreach.
Supported institutional storytelling through illustration, design, and media that connected skywatching to seasonal themes.

Featured Project

Cygnus – The Swan in Science & Myth
A multi-phase storytelling piece blending design, astronomy, and public education.

Stylized swan illustration representing Cygnus constellation in astronomy and mythology

Narrative Design: Wrote a script weaving together mythologies and scientific content.
Visual Development: Created a stylized swan illustration in Illustrator, designed for motion graphics and dome projection.
Technical Production: Animated the swan in Blender as part of my senior capstone.

Reflection

This internship helped me apply my design and storytelling skills to real-world public engagement. I gained experience in immersive environments like the dome and sharpened my communication and creative problem-solving skills.