MEET THE TEAM

"We are part of this universe; we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts, is that the universe is in us.”

-Neil deGrasse Tyson

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Jaylind’s interest in astronomy and astrophysics started from the science fiction movies he would watch as a child (movies like Star Wars, War of the Worlds, Transformers, etc.). In his free time he would often find himself watching educational programs on space on the Science channel, namely “How the Universe Works,” and would often tell his grandparents of the things he learned. Since then, he has been hooked on space and has made it his life’s goal to understand and study as much as he can about the universe we live in. He majored in astrophysics at UCLA, with his favorite topics being active galactic nuclei and stellar physics. He enjoys sci-fi books and movies (currently reading Hyperion by Dan Simmons), astronomy, and loves watching science communicators like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Veritasium, or Kyle Hill. He is excited to be able to share his knowledge and passion about the universe with the public.

Science and art tend to coalesce in aesthetics, plasticity, and form. The greatest scientists are artists as well.” Albert Einstein 

Having lived in Joshua Tree her whole life, Lily has found a great appreciation for the vastness of the desert and the beautiful night sky it provides. It is a passion of hers to experience it not only in her backyard, but with others who share the interest as well. She gravitates to space and the many unknowns of the universe and captures it through the lens of her camera. Photography has been a well loved hobby of hers in many different forms, but her favorite can be found within the stars. As her love for art does not stop there. When she’s not gazing under the stars she can be found reading a new book, writing an old story,  listening to and making music, or perhaps watching films.

“The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” Albert Einstein

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As a lifelong local, Amanda considers herself spoiled getting to grow up with a clear view of the night sky from her backyard in Joshua Tree. Her favorite nights are moonless, she describes as, “It’s like being in a snow globe of dark skies and bright stars, surrounded by darkness,  you can’t tell where the world ends, and the night sky begins. You can feel the vastness of space; it takes your breath away.”

“Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence.” - Alan Watts

By day, Sean is a working multimedia artist and hi-desert local. The deep inspiration he takes from the natural world is what drives the passion and mission behind his work - where he primarily collaborates with projects, commercial partners and non-profits who uphold commitments to preserving our planet's beauty. As someone who has lived in various parts of the world with incredibly diverse ecosystems, the constant for him has always been the connection he holds looking up at the night sky. When he's not spending his time exploring the cosmos or the Mojave wilderness, you'll find him channeling them into his art.  

“The universe is unfolding as it should” ― Edwin Powell Hubble
 

Yes, although distant, Chris is a blood relative to Edwin Hubble and has always been drawn to observe and photograph the night skies. Born in Austin, with lengthy stays in NYC, NH, and LA. The unique beauty of Joshua Tree became his "muse" after his first visit in the mid 90’s.

He started his photography career assisting world reknowned photographers working with fashion and music icons, as well as travel, architecture, and product shoots. He strived to create something he hadn’t seen before. On his first trip to Joshua Tree he experimented with a new technique by using a flashlight to illuminate the rocks during a long exposure. That technique is now referred to as "light painting".

"Working with Stargazers and moving to Joshua Tree has brought me full circle".

“The good thing about science is that it is true, whether or not you believe in it.”
- Neil deGrasse Tyson

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Michael has been interested in astronomy since he got his first telescope at the age of
7. While he was always inclined towards math and science, his official career took him
in other directions. His fascination with the skies, however, never left him. He lived in
Chicago for 34 years and volunteered at the world-famous Adler Planetarium. There he
was able to meet acclaimed astronomers and gave tours of the Simulations Lab. Now a
resident of Palm Springs, he is once again able to pursue his love of astronomy under
one of the darkest skies in the US. “It is so unfortunate that many people have never
even seen the Milky Way because of urban light. There is so much out there and all we
have to do is look up.”

“The view of earth is absolutely spectacular, and the feeling of looking back and seeing your planet as a planet is just an amazing feeling. It’s a totally different perspective, and it makes you appreciate, actually, how fragile our existence is.” -Sally Ride 

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A love for our home planet and mathematics propelled Devon into the fields of Astronomy, Planetary Science and Astrobiology. Obsessed with the variety of life seen on Earth, she enjoys pondering what extraterrestrial life may be like and whether or not we will ever communicate with others.

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She has been guiding guests through the night sky for 3 years, helping humans disconnect from the world we have created and reconnect with that which connects us all, Earth and the cosmos. 

"The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself." - Carl Sagan

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Kramer's enthusiasm for stars has always been rooted in the science - that we are all made up of stardust. As one who celebrates and recognizes that the universe is much larger than each of us here on Planet Earth, Kramer is often finding ways to capture its grandiosity through music and videography. You will often find him setting the mood, or seeking out the ISS and other celestial objects from above.

Matt began his dive into astronomy and stargazing in his pursuit of awe. To him, the night sky is more than a spectacle, it is one of humanity’s oldest shared experiences, a canvas for limitless scientific inquiry and endless personal reflection. With an education background in physics and philosophy and years spent guiding students under the stars, he aims to make the vast and ineffable feel personal. Whether through scientific
insight or the quiet pull of wonder, his goal is to give everyone the chance to discover what the stars truly mean to them. Under the sun, you’ll find Matt at various cafés working on books and projects about science, philosophy, and human values.

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.” – Edwin Powell Hubble

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Hannah's love for the night sky has grown from her adventurous spirit of being outdoors. Camping along the Rio Grande, biking under the Milky Way in Death Valley, and hiking through the Atacama desert have all contributed to her curiosity of constellations and planets. As a part of the Stargazing Joshua Tree team, Hannah works to create an immersive and enjoyable experience for guests. You can often find her preparing beverages or fluffing chairs, or pointing out her zodiac Capricorn. 

Matthias has been passionately involved in astronomy outreach and public events in astronomy, STEM, and space sciences for over ten years. He manages night sky programs for the National Park Service and teaches a wide range of astronomy topics to K-12 students and adults at astronomy clubs. He is an avid eclipse chaser with observations in Antarctica, Oregon, Argentina, Oman, and other locations. Previously, he was the Executive Producer of the CGI-animated STEM television show Space Racers. Matthias holds a Master of Science in Astronomy from Swinburne University's Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. He is a member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), the American Astronomical Society (AAS), the St. George Astronomy Group, and the Amateur Astronomer Association of New York.