Cheyenne Smith is an aspiring astrophysicist with a future focus in cosmology.

As a citizen astronomer, she is dedicated to making space sciences more visible and accessible—particularly within underserved communities. Her background blends science communication, arts integration, and public outreach. She has served as a NASA Solar System Ambassador for over three years and is currently pursuing a physics degree. Cheyenne also serves as the Creative Community Manager for Tulsa Artist Fellowship, where she engages the public through programs that bridge art and science.

She has secured over $100,000 in grant funding to support Space For Us initiatives, including a curated, nationally recognized dark sky exhibit co-hosted by Tulsa Artist Fellowship. These grants have helped fund public programming and community-based STEM education efforts centered on equity and accessibility.

Cheyenne’s mission is grounded in cultural relevance, creativity, and community-based learning. She believes students should see themselves reflected in STEM fields. Through storytelling, public skywatching events, dark sky advocacy, and hands-on projects, she works to make science feel less distant and more human—fostering a deeper sense of belonging in the sciences.

/////////

Personal Story:

It’s never too late.

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a scientist. Specifically, an astronomer or "astomener" according to this letter from little me back in 03' I was obsessed with galaxies, the potential for life within those galaxies, UFOs, crop circles, and alien abduction stories.

Later on, I found out that most of those topics were "conspiracy theories" and the field I was actually interested in is called astrobiology or life detection sciences.

I got to college and didn't know what I was doing (didn't even know about astrobio). Being a first gen, I was basically on my own as far as navigating the ins and outs of college. My freshman year of college was a little intimidating and seeing astrophysics on my degree sheet even more so. I literally never heard of nor seen a person of color (especially women) in the College of Astronomy nor at the star parties I frequented.

 It wasn't until after I graduated college that I discovered the brilliant likes of Dr. Jeddah I. and Moogea Cooper in astrophysics and planetary protection! Growing up, I never knew of a Black woman (or man) in astronomy or the space industry until I saw them on an episode of "How the Universe Works."

Furthermore, in the Black community where I grew up, it was "weird" to have such interests. Back then, I never thought to go the extra mile to do research on Black professionals in astro. In hindsight, I can see how the lack of representation impacted my academic career decisions. I had no one who looked like me I could reach out to... literally the only person elementary me remembers is Albert Einstein and I read every single book in the library about him. So I was under the impression that all astronomers had to be Albert Einstein. I was 1,000 percent wrong!

To quote Dr. Korie A. G. on what a scientist looks like, "We are eclectic, non-traditional, geeky, and a little weird (some of us a lot)." I was a lot of weird...according to my peers.

I wasn't and still am not the best at math. I recall during my freshmen year a professor telling me, "if you're not good at math, don't do a math major". Which I ultimately listened to and pursued communications. Yes, outreach is just as important as science, however, I could've challenged myself more and persisted through those math courses. I also didn't know of the many ways you could pursue astronomy.

I went through phases of not knowing what I wanted to do after that and tried pursuing other interests but I would constantly feel unfulfilled and always ended up back in science. Whether it was working for a plant nursery and learning hydroponics or building my own projects like the neighborhood observatory.

Now, I've been working toward what I've always wanted to do, be a scientist in the field of astrophysics. One day soon, I hope to meet and connect with more women of color in astrophysics and encourage future astronomers!

All this to say how much #RepresentationMatters (hence the creation of Space For Us), to challenge yourself and be patient with yourself.