Hello!
 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with the beauty of the sky, solving problems with creativity, and learning everything I can about the world around us. As I have grown, those passions stuck with me and have guided my life. During college, I grew to realize that my passions not only lie in learning about the secrets of the universe myself but also in sharing them with others. There is amazing scientific research being done every day, and I want to make sure that the knowledge gained from those studies is shared with everyone to use and enjoy. Science is for everyone, and my passion has become making sure it stays that way.

Rena Sletten is an enthusiastic scientist and science communicator, both at heart and in practice. Currently, she is using her background in astrophysics and public relations to do climate science research and communication with an interdisciplinary approach through UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute graduate program.

After completing her undergraduate degrees in public relations, physics, and astronomy from Drake University, Rena spent time away from academia. She did science programming at the Science Center of Iowa and communications at Two Rivers Marketing. While taking time off to care for family, she also had a brief time spent working in pet grooming and services.

At Drake University, Rena served as the president of the Drake Society of Physics Students (SPS) and was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She also enjoyed writing for both her school magazine, the Annual, and the Physics and Astronomy Department newsletter. As well, Rena has worked on two scientific research projects during her time at Drake, studying the morphology of Seyfert galaxies and a student-lead project developing a feasible radiation shield for interplanetary travel. She was often found spending her Friday nights at the Drake Municipal Observatory, where she operated telescopes and helped the public appreciate the wonders of the night sky. In the summer of 2018, Rena worked at the Museum of Flight as a Brooke Owens Fellow in their Digital Learning Department, a life-changing experience.

In her free time, Rena enjoys creating artwork, reading “nerdy” books, throwing on some headphones to listen to a podcast or playlist, conquering a new yoga pose, and enjoying her time outside in the fresh air. She is a strong believer that there is room in any schedule to fit in an adventure, explore something new, or just have fun!