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.

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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.