Laura Jean Checki is a keynote speaker, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, and interdisciplinary science communicator known for her concept of “spherical thinking”—a framework for approaching complex challenges by seeing connections across disciplines, perspectives, and systems. Her talks blend science, storytelling, and big-picture strategy to help organizations, teams, and leaders turn curiosity into connection and ideas into action.

With over two decades of experience in astronomy, environmental science, and accessibility-driven education, she translates complex concepts into engaging stories that inspire exploration, resilience, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Laura Jean Checki has delivered more than 2,000 NASA-affiliated outreach programs reaching over 250,000 people and is a member of The Explorers Club.

Audience Takeaways

Audiences leave Laura Jean’s talks with:
• A new way to approach complex problems through big-picture, interdisciplinary thinking
• Practical tools for turning curiosity into connection, collaboration, and innovation
• A deeper sense of resilience and agency when facing challenges or uncertainty
• A renewed sense of wonder about science, exploration, and humanity’s place in the universe

Turning Curiosity Into Connection

How do you take complex ideas and make them meaningful to everyone in the room? This keynote explores how curiosity becomes a powerful tool for leadership, learning, and community impact. Laura Jean shares strategies for translating complex knowledge into stories people remember and act on.

Best for: conferences, leadership events, interdisciplinary teams, museums and science centers, and mission-driven organizations.

Spherical Thinking

A framework for big‑picture problem solving inspired by interdisciplinary science. This talk introduces the concept of ‘spherical thinking’—the ability to hold multiple variables at once, see hidden connections, and approach problems from many angles simultaneously.

Best for: innovators, interdisciplinary teams, strategy sessions, and leadership development events.

Runaway Success

A powerful resilience keynote about rebuilding after hardship. Through personal stories and practical insight, Laura Jean explores how individuals can reclaim their voice, their agency, and their future after setbacks.

Best for: leadership events, women’s groups, workforce development programs, and community organizations.

Astrobiology: The Search for Life in the Universe

A visually rich exploration of one of humanity’s biggest questions: Are we alone? This keynote introduces the science of astrobiology, where scientists are searching for life, and what discovery would mean for our understanding of life and our place in the universe.
Best for: public audiences, schools, libraries, STEM events, museums, and planetariums.

Booking & Contact

Laura Jean Checki
Founder, Interstellar Inspirations, LLC

Email:

laura@interstellarinspirations.org

Website:

interstellarinspirations.org