LAUREN WOOLSEY

Astrophysicist, college professor, and game designer; this website provides an overview of my many adventures.

In the site menu at the top of the page or by clicking the following links, you will find my Curriculum Vitae, quotes from my students, and information about my adventures in the tabletop game community.

ABOUT ME

I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2016 after successfully completing my PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Harvard University and accepting a tenure-track teaching position at Grand Rapids Community College.

After leaving a more traditional research-focused academic track because of my passion for teaching, I have never looked back. I am in my dream position at an supportive institution that gives me room to grow and improve as an instructor and a member of the community.

Many of the skills I use in the classroom to facilitate learning I also use in the context of tabletop games. I have designed several educational card and board games, and I have carved out a space in the tabletop gaming community with my company and brand CGS Unit.

EDUCATION

August 2011 - May 2016

HARVARD GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

A.M. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2013
Ph.D. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 2016
Dissertation: Magnetic Influences on the Solar Wind

August 2007 - May 2011

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - COLLEGE PARK

Summa Cum Laude, Undergraduate Thesis Award
B.S. in Astronomy with High Honors
B.S. in Physics with High Honors
Minor in German Language and Literature

CURRENT POSITIONS

Click for Previous Experience

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, GRAND RAPIDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Since 2016

I teach 4-5 sections each semester, a mix of introductory astronomy courses (with and without a lab component) and algebra-based physics lectures.
May 2019: I started teaching online sections.
August 2019: I took on role of Open Educational Resources Coordinator. I work with all departments across the GRCC community to promote the adoption of free or low-cost textbooks and open educational supplementary materials and track OER use across disciplines.
February 2020: I received notice of tenure at my institution effective starting in the 2020-2021 academic year.
October 2023: I was awarded a sabbatical to update open astronomy materials and update lab manuals.
April 2024: I received promotion from assistant professor to associate professor.

CO-FOUNDER, CGS UNIT LLC

Since 2014

I hold many roles in the tabletop gaming community which fall under the umbrella of CGS Unit, described in the tab linked.

I have designed three games: Amino, Stars, Inc., and Match Quilt.
I co-hosted Playability, a podcast focused on accessibility and inclusion in gaming.
I have been a judge in several annual game design contests and festivals.

"Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."