About Dr Kirsten Banks
My Inspiration
My journey into astrophysics was sparked in high school when my science teachers organised an excursion to see a documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope at the IMAX theatre in Sydney. There, amidst the immersive visuals of the Hubble Space Telescope, I was spellbound by the sheer beauty and complexity of the cosmos. The images of distant galaxies and nebulae sparked a fascination with how much we can learn from the faintest glimmers of light in the vastness of space.
Later, during a family road trip across Australia, we found ourselves at the Nullarbor Road House—a remote outpost under a sky untouched by light pollution. As night descended, fate intervened when the main generator sputtered, plunging the "town" into darkness save for a solitary streetlight. In that moment of natural illumination, surrounded by the pristine darkness of the outback, the stars blazed with unparalleled brilliance. It brought me to tears.
These encounters with the cosmos ignited a passion within me to explore its mysteries. They drove me to pursue a degree in physics, where I could delve deeper into understanding the universe and sharing its wonders with others. Today, as an astrophysicist and science communicator, I continue to be inspired by those early experiences. My mission is to make science accessible, captivating, and inclusive for everyone, inviting you to join me on a journey of discovery through the universe.
My Educational Journey
My journey into astrophysics began during high school, where I focused on Physics and Mathematics alongside other subjects that interested me like Music and Geography. At UNSW, I pursued a Bachelor of Science with a major in Physics. After completing my bachelor's degree, I entered the Physics Honours program, where I researched the evolution of galaxies, specifically focusing on galaxy mergers in clusters. You can read about my Honours research here.
Following this, I was accepted into UNSW's Scientia PhD program, shifting my focus to stellar astrophysics, galactic archaeology, and asteroseismology. Over four years, I studied red giant stars in the Milky Way, aiming to deepen our understanding of these cosmic entities and how they can reveal more about the history and evolution of the Milky Way Galaxy. From this research I published two papers which you can read here and here.
In June 2024, I was awarded my PhD, marking a significant milestone in my career. Today, as Dr. Kirsten Banks, I am passionate about sharing the wonders of astrophysics through research and science communication, inspiring curiosity and translating the latest scientific discoveries so that everyone can enjoy the wonder of scientific discovery.
During my time researching, I published academic papers detailing my various projects. Here is a list of those papers:
- The Planets in Indigenous Australian Traditions
Authors: Duane W. Hamacher, Kirsten Banks
Link: Read the paper - Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA): The Merging Potential of Brightest Group Galaxies
Authors: K. Banks, S. Brough, B.W. Holwerda, et al.
Link: Read the paper - CN and CO Features: Key Indicators of Red Giant Evolutionary Phase in Moderate-Resolution X-Shooter Spectra
Authors: Kirsten A. Banks, Chantel Y.Y. Ho, Sarah L. Martell, et al.
Link: Read the paper - The Role of Carbon in Red Giant Spectro-seismology
Authors: Kirsten A. Banks, Sarah L. Martell, C.G. Tinney, et al.
Link: Read the paper
My Science Communication Journey
My science communication journey began at the Sydney Observatory, where I worked as an astronomy tour guide. This job taught me how to explain complex astronomical concepts to people from all walks of life. Whether I was speaking to children, adults, or senior citizens, I learned how to adjust my approach to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. This foundational experience was crucial in preparing me for my future endeavours.
Eager to expand my reach, I ventured into the world of social media. I joined Twitter and Instagram, where I began sharing interesting facts about space, answering questions, and posting captivating images of the cosmos. These platforms allowed me to connect with a broader audience and challenge myself to communicate science in new and innovative ways.
As my online presence grew, I started receiving invitations to speak on the radio and at public events. One of the highlights of my early career was giving a TEDx talk at TEDxSydney Youth in 2019. This opportunity allowed me to share my passion for astronomy with a large audience and solidified my desire to continue in science communication.
Then came 2020, a year that changed everything. With in-person events cancelled due to the pandemic, I had to find a new way to connect with my audience. That’s when I discovered TikTok, a platform that was quickly gaining popularity. I decided to give it a try and challenged myself to create short, engaging videos about complex scientific topics. To my surprise, I fell in love with this new form of communication. TikTok allowed me to reach an even wider audience and present science in a fun and accessible way.
Now, with over half a million followers across various social media platforms, I feel incredibly privileged to share my passion for science with so many people. My goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists and help everyone appreciate the wonders of the universe. Whether through social media, public speaking, or educational workshops, I strive to make science accessible, fun, and inspiring for all.